Smart City Readiness Factors of Australian Cities

Yigitcanlar et al. (2021) identifies five key factors that determine 65% of smart city transformation readiness in Australian cities. The factors were identified through the analysis of 180 LGAs in Australia that prioritise their policy and public fund to support the smartness and competitiveness of the city. The five key factors are as follow:

1. Close distance to airports, this indicates that international and interregional connectivity plays a huge role in fostering knowledge sharing and innovation in smart cities
2. Low remoteness value, municipalities that are closer from not only physical goods and services but also other social and cultural infrastructure such as education, arts and recreational places are more likely to thrive as smart city
3. High population density, cities with higher population density gives greater concentration of business and better employment pool while also benefit of being more vibrant, innovative, and productive communities.
4. Low unemployment level, many smart city initiatives are aimed to lower the unemployment rate and at the same time, areas with lower unemployment might be the best place to foster smart city transformation
5. High labour productivity, this indicates higher labour productivity and economic output that are critical to support and implement smart city initiatives.

Reference:

Yigitcanlar, T., Degirmenci, K., Butler, L., & Desouza, K. C. (2021). What are the key factors affecting smart city transformation readiness? Evidence from Australian cities. Cities, 103434.