Leadership in, of, and for smart cities – case studies from Europe, America, and Australia

This paper analyses leadership in, of, and for smart cities. Using a multi-case study research design and Mode 2 research (based upon collaboration between a scholar and a practitioner), we explore smart city initiatives in Europe (Amsterdam, Bristol, and Milton Keynes), North and South America (Chicago and Curitiba), and Australia (Melbourne). We undertake a comparative analysis which looks at leadership through six lenses: place, purpose, person, position, process, and performance. From our analysis four modes of smart city leadership emerge: smart cities as digital government, smart cities as digital driver for economic growth, smart cities as an open platform for digital socio-political innovation, and smart cities as an open platform for digital economy.