Demystifying Smart cities praxis and concept : A qualitative study of municipalities in Stockholm region

Sammanfattning: Initially, this thesis arose from an interest in technology and smart city as a concept and how this concept is used practically in urban planning. This thesis focuses on urban planning in four municipalities. Värmdö, Täby, Danderyd and Vallentuna municipality. This thesis analyses the concept of smart cities and praxis in relation to urban planning. Concepts and theories central to the study are processed and explored. In-depth interviews are conducted with planners to then analyse source material using grounded theory analysis with themes. This is done in detail to analyse what impact smart city as a concept has on practices and values regarding urbanplanning in municipalities. Different theoretical perspectives are also considered regarding the concept itself. The analysis demonstrates that implementing smart city as a concept has an impact on municipality organisation through smart governance, creates new urban planning goals as well, such as digitalizing the planning process, focusing on digital solutions and expanding fiber-networks. The results show that there are several driving factors behind the emergence of both smart governance and smart city initiatives, the most prevalent driving factor is the need to streamline communication and planning in a more competitive contemporary world where efficiency and pragmatism is premiered.