Community Engagement in Smart Cities: A Social Network Analysis and Community Engagement Test

¹ Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg 195251, Russian Federation
² Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
³ Uttaranchal Institute of Technology, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India, 248007
⁴ GRIET, Bachupally, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
⁵ K R Mangalam University, Gurgaon, India
⁶ GD Goenka University, Sohna, Haryana, India

^* Corresponding author: vafaeva.khm@gmail.com

Abstract

This study, carried out in the ever-changing context of Smart Cities, reveals the complex interactions of digital social networks, digital community involvement, and the Community involvement Test (CET) framework. The examination of data obtained from certain Smart Cities indicates a thriving milieu of community engagement, characterized by a markedly elevated rate of active participation. The identification of urgent issues, particularly those related to environmental sustainability, safety, traffic management, and educational quality, is consistent with the larger urban difficulties that these creative urban centers are facing. Additionally, the CET framework's integration of SNA data and survey results produces very high ratings, indicating the engagement programs' outstanding performance in promoting resident satisfaction and active involvement. These results highlight how digital technologies can help Smart Cities foster vibrant, engaged communities. They also highlight the continued need for smart urban policies to address urgent issues and maintain residents' quality of life while adhering to the Smart City paradigm.