A model for innovation management in the development of smart cities in Hong Kong, Seoul, and Singapore

Modern cities face resource scarcity, pollution, congestion, climate change, aging populations, migration, and health issues exacerbated by the covid-19 pandemic. To address these problems, cities are adopting intelligent and innovative solutions, evolving towards the concept of smart cities since the late 1990s. Smart cities integrate information and communication technologies (ICT) to manage resources like energy and transportation, improve quality of life, and promote sustainability. Definitions of smart city vary, highlighting technological innovation, actor collaboration, and the ability to attract human capital. The development of intelligent cities aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, seeking to create inclusive, safe, and resilient environments. The Fourth Industrial Revolution and rapid global urbanization drive this concept. In Asia, where urban growth is significant, adopting innovative technologies is crucial to improving quality of life, optimizing resources, and promoting sustainability. However, the region faces challenges such as existing infrastructure, the digital divide, and urban governance. The study of smart cities in Hong Kong, Seoul, and Singapore highlights their advanced technological infrastructure and public-private collaboration. Although they share similarities, these cities differ in size, density, sectoral focus, culture, and innovation. The comparative documentary research aims to contextualize the development of these cities within the framework of Industry 4.0 and the 2030 Agenda, proposing a model of innovation management essential for sustainable development and operational efficiency in smart cities.