Brought by Degrees: A Focus on the Current Indicators of Lean ‘Smartness’ in Smart Cities

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to look at the indicators to which a city can be considered to be a smart city based upon the degree it meets specific indicators within the categories of ‘Social Smartness’, ‘Technological Smartness’ and ‘Environmental Smartness’. The data collection for this paper was conducted through desk research in academic and non academic articles and publications that focus on smart cities and their associated indicators. This study found out common factors based upon the indicators studied. ‘Social Smartness’ had a focus on the quality of life, civic engagement and wellbeing. ‘Technological Smartness’ was centric on flexible technology, well utilised and defined applied technology and data. ‘Environmental Smartness’ was focused on optimisation, waste management and sustainable thinking. This study offers possibilities to advance Lean thinking by looking at indicators to attribute a degree of ‘Smartness’ to cities which in turn will optimise the development and operation of a Smart City and Smart Districts.