In the coming years and decades, Hong Kong’s smart cities adventures will be a lively interplay among dynamic and evolving technologies, often-mercurial public sentiments, and the government’s desire for control and stability. The smart cities imaginary is a promising narrative at face value – improved services, user convenience, operational efficiency, and opportunities to “modernise.” However, the story does not stop at technological innovation. Public trust, political legitimacy, and open and inclusive communication are fundamental building blocks – as much for smart cities as for any other policy issue.

Hong Kong’s ‘smart city’ ambitions depend on trust as well as technology

Hartley, Kris. (2024). “Hong Kong’s ‘smart city’ ambitions depend on trust as well as technology.” Hong Kong Free Press, 30 Mar.