When it comes to successfully implementing a smart city project, one component is all too often forgotten... 'communication'.
By communication we refer to internal project communication and external communication, both of them are necessary to bring the smart city to life. However, this time we will focus on dialogue formats and external communication. Especially with such abstract and complex topics like digitalisation and AI, it is rewarding to save some of the budget for proper communication and dialogue formats.
External communication and dialogue
Using a precise language can help any Smart City project improve its expectation management towards citizens, companies, the government, or any other players in the field.
Continuing on our previous blog about the manifold definitions of smart city projects, it becomes clear that depending on what vision and concept you communicate you will receive differing expectations. Language, definitions and concept should, therefore, be seen as a tool to communicate the vision of the smart city project.
Besides the marketing and strategic positioning components of external communication, the dialogue with the citizens can be a fruitful investment. After all, the Smart City is there to improve its citizens’ lives. However, participatory dialogue formats do only make sense if the implementation process is still open for new directions. Otherwise the citizens will feel that their opinion is not valued and the whole dialogue format is not worth their time. Therefore, a citizen based dialogue format should never seek mere approval but give the participants the chance to actually help design a new Smart City project.
A good example is Smart City Barcelona, which has organised a Smart City Week this year. The program is tailored to different levels of complexity, offering events for kids, adults, citizens, and professionals. Next to participatory activities there are conferences and open doors tours. By doing so Barcelona underlines its responsibility for its citizens as a Smart City and sends out a clear message of what becoming a Smart City means for them.
Summary
- Communication, internal and external, are key to bring every smart city project to life.
- When it comes to participatory formats, it is important to let the participants be part of the decision making. Otherwise, the citizens will feel frustrated.
- When communicating abstract topics like smart cities, digitalisation, and AI, everyone should know who the target group is and how they can be reached effectively.
About the Author
Justus is a consultant with Genius GmbH. His experties lies in communication strategy, while focusing on renewable energies. Find out more on Linkedin