The Role of Place Identity in Smart Card Adoption

Public administrations are launching smart cards for citizens’ identification and access to local public services. Despite being focused on citizens’ demands, there is a lack of acceptance of such initiatives. This study explores the key drivers of citizen adoption of smart cards and reveals that, in addition to utilitarian benefits, social processes, such as citizens’ identification with the city, affect individual adoption. The effect of place identity is moderated by citizens’ level of interdependence. The discussion highlights place branding and the support of local collectives as strategic governmental instruments for achieving a critical mass of smart card users.