Implementing concept of smart city in Russian regions (case of Volgograd region)

Abstract

The article presents the analysis of the key directions for developing a smart city concept through the prism of perception by residents participating in the strategic guidelines in the context of digitalization and a changing economic space. There has been considered the problem of implementing the concept of smart city and low awareness of residents about the regional policy on digitalization of urban space. Trigger spheres of the economy are proposed, whose digitalization should be carried out in the first place. The actual scenarios for building a smart city are presented, and their prospects for the Volgograd region are determined. A model for the development of smart urban space is proposed. The necessity of a direct financial support for advanced technological solutions for the development of urban systems through subsidies, as well as indirect tax incentives is determined. A smart city requires unconventional solutions and flexibility in municipal policies. Principles are proposed that can contribute to the sound management of sustainable smart cities. The obtained results of the study can be used by local governments to implement the most acceptable scenario for the transition to the concept of a smart city in accordance with the current level of development and preparedness of urban space for digitalization. The main advantage of the transformation of urban space and the use of digital technologies is an increase in the quality of services provided to residents, saving financial resources, time and energy required for the city functioning