From Smart Cities to Smart Regions: Regional Economic Specialization as a Tool for Development and Inclusion

Abstract

Keeping in mind that the fundamental task of local and regional governments is improving lives of their citizens, this paper considers the phenomenon of smart specialization as a tool that can be used to reach economic development and inclusion. Particular attention is paid to the impacts of smart cities on regional life through establishing smart city networks and mutual cooperation of various stakeholders. The issues associated with smart specialization are determined. At the same time, it is attempted to suggest the possible steps that could be taken by local and regional authorities to foster smartification. The multidimensional methodology approach is used for this study to increase its comprehensiveness and wider applicability of the concluding recommendations. The research is directly linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals that are actively promoted by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, so it is related to high practical and theoretical value.