Policy positions
Policy position 1
The city needs to work closely both with businesses and residents on the Smart City concept in which ICT and technology are equally important. Since cooperation is central to the concept, plans are based on the needs of users. This means that the Smart City will be perfectly laid out and equipped to meet the needs of users, it will be user-friendly and will gain a broad support base.
Policy position 2
The city needs to invest in ICT and technology so that it can continue to meet the needs of its residents. But there are snags; it is important to guarantee people’s privacy and the security of the network. The local authority must take on the responsibility for this, focus on it and invest in it. Then the needs of users (residents and businesses) can be identified, and forms of cooperation considered.
Policy position 3
A Smart City approach is not necessary. The ‘old’ city with traditional solutions for traffic, education, energy, government and business functions perfectly well. It is a risk for cities to rely on ICT and technology; there is no safety net when systems fail. In addition, costly security measures are needed to protect against cyber attacks and hackers. Digital information also involves major risks to people’s privacy.
Policy position 4
A Smart City approach is geared only to highly educated people who know about ICT and technology. The approach excludes many groups of people, such as the less well educated and the elderly, who cannot keep up with all the new development. The municipal authority should not therefore invest enormous sums of money in the Smart City concept, but in matters that are important and accessible for everyone.