Increasing smart city competitiveness and sustainability through managing structural capital
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JIC-12-2016-0141 |
| Published date | 10 July 2017 |
| Pages | 693-707 |
| Date | 10 July 2017 |
| Author | Florinda Matos,Valter Martins Vairinhos,Renata Paola Dameri,Susanne Durst |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Knowledge management,HR & organizational behaviour,Organizational structure/dynamics,Accounting & Finance,Accounting/accountancy,Behavioural accounting |
Increasing smart city
competitiveness and
sustainability through managing
structural capital
Florinda Matos
Intellectual Capital Accreditation Association, Santarém, Portugal
Valter Martins Vairinhos
Intellectual Capital Accreditation Association, Santarém, Portugal
Renata Paola Dameri
Department of Economics and Business Studies,
University of Genova, Genova, Italy, and
Susanne Durst
School of Business, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to explore and discuss possible solutions to integrate the concepts of
smart city (SC) and intellectual capital management, especially referring to structural capital. On the basis of
this, the authors propose a theoretical framework that highlights the relevance of structural capital for
strategic and operational planning of smarter cities.
Design/methodology/approach –Using a neuropsychologi cal analogy, the author s assume that the
development of SCs corr esponds to the development of a sen sorial or even a nervous system for c ities based
on their structural capi tal, and the development of ci ty intellectual capital (CIC) corresponds to a fur ther
phase of the cities’mind de velopment. The authors pr opose a practical framewo rk that combines the
concepts of city nervous system and city mind. It can be u sed as an instrument for project manage ment. In
this model, sensoria l data –associated with th e implementation of citi es’sensorial systems –should
naturally contribute wi th open data to the development of higher abstra ct functions that in turn supports
the creation of CIC.
Findings –This paper highlights the interrelations between intellectual capital (IC) (especially its structural
component) and SC and their synergic capability of improving both an SC’s competitiveness and
sustainability, and by this illustrates the benefits of combining both concepts in a common theoretical
framework.
Research limitations/implications –Given the paper’s theoretical nature, the empirical validation of the
proposed framework is missing. This limitation will be addressed in forthcoming empirical research.
Originality/value –By proposing a framework that combines the concepts of SC and IC, the paper
contributes to theory development regarding the strategic management of cities and the application of IC.
Keywords Strategic management, Intellectual capital management, Smart city, Knowledge management,
Intellectual capital, Urban development
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
The concept of smart city (SC) has emerged recently and appears to be equated with a
strategy to tacklethe opportunities and challengesof increasing urbanization (Caragliu et al.,
2011; IDC Government Insights, 2013; EU Parliament, 2014). However, despite its worldwide
dissemination, the concept’s definition is still fuzzy and the theoretical background can be
described as heterogeneous and vague (Dameri, 2013). An analysis of scientific and grey
literature allows drawing boundaries and meanings of an SC, considering both the city itself
and its “smartness”and the processes to transform a city into a smarter one.
Journal of Intellectual Capital
Vol. 18 No. 3, 2017
pp. 693-707
© Emerald PublishingLimited
1469-1930
DOI 10.1108/JIC-12-2016-0141
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/1469-1930.htm
693
Smart city
competitiveness
and
sustainability
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