Social Inclusivity in the Smart City Governance: Overcoming the Digital Divide

Vitalii Kruhlov and Jaroslav Dvorak ()
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Vitalii Kruhlov: Department of Sociology and Public Administration, National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”, 61002 Kharkiv, Ukraine
Jaroslav Dvorak: Department of Public Administration and Political Sciences, Klaipeda University, 92294 Klaipeda, Lithuania

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-20

Abstract: The current research examines the issue of social inclusivity in the context of digitalization of smart city governance and explores ways to overcome the digital divide, which impedes equal access to online services for vulnerable population groups (elderly people, people with disabilities, low-income individuals, and residents of remote areas). Based on a literature review, the study outlines three generations of the digital divide: access, digital skills, and the ability to derive socio-economic benefits. A methodology is proposed that combines cluster analysis of 27 European cities using 11 integrated indicators, aimed at identifying typical development profiles while accounting for infrastructure, air quality, and levels of digital literacy. The results revealed four clusters: “Digital Leaders with Environmental Awareness”, “Mid-Level Cities with Development Potential”, “Opportunities with Environmental Challenges”, and “Advanced Digital Hubs with High Quality of Life”. The study confirms the hypothesis regarding the effectiveness of a comprehensive approach that integrates infrastructure investment, educational programs, and inclusive planning. The article’s conclusions emphasize the need to apply universal design principles, subsidize internet access, and regularly monitor digital inclusion indices to achieve SDGs 11 and 16.

Keywords: digital divide; social inclusivity; smart city; digital literacy; cluster analysis; sustainable urban development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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