NARRATIVES OF SMART URBANISM: And their Role in the Digitalization of Urban Services in Poland

This article explores how local advocacy coalitions create and apply narrative strategies to justify the introduction of smart solutions within the domain of urban public services. Using the Narrative Policy Framework, we analyze digital transformation projects in the field of social policy, public safety and waste management introduced in three Polish cities. We deconstruct the narratives surrounding these projects, and uncover the underlying political and normative goals. Our findings show that digital projects are framed not merely as technical innovations but rather as strategic stories of change, with policy actors presenting desirable futures and featuring specific heroes, villains and victims. Despite limited evidence related to the impact of smart projects on improving service management and delivery, these narratives remain important tools for generating stakeholders’ support. The research highlights the interplay between smart urbanism, local politics and digital governance, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in legitimizing technological shifts.