Leadership in, of, and for Smart Cities ? Case Studies from Europe, America and Australia

This paper analyses leadership in, of and for smart cities. Using a multi-case study research design and Mode 2 research (based upon collaboration between a scholar and a practitioner) we explore smart cities initiatives in Europe (Amsterdam, Bristol & Milton Keynes), North and South America (Chicago & Curitiba) and Australia (Melbourne). We undertake a comparative analysis which looks at leadership through six lenses: place, purpose, person, position, process, performance. From our analysis four modes of smart city leadership emerge: smart cities as digital government; smart cities as digital driver for economic growth; smart cities as an open platform for digital socio-political innovation; and smart cities as an open platform for digital economy.