SCALE
Smart City Alliance for Learning, Exchange and Development
A research and transfer project for developing a cooperative and impact-oriented approach to comparative Smart City studies.
The project aims to further develop existing approaches to Smart City benchmarking and create a sound foundation for the analysis, classification, further development, and impact measurement of municipal Smart City activities.
Overview
Motivation
Smart City initiatives are gaining importance in the context of digitalization, climate change, and urbanization. At the same time, there is a growing demand in both research and practice for suitable methods to systematically evaluate and compare these activities.
Existing approaches exhibit several limitations:
- Lack of consideration for varying municipal framework conditions.
- Limited comparability between heterogeneous cities.
- Focus on technological aspects rather than a holistic perspective.
- Low consideration of the actual impact of measures.
These deficits make it particularly difficult to derive sound strategic decisions at the municipal level.
Expected Contribution
The SCALE project aims to bridge the gap between descriptive benchmarking and evidence-based urban development. By the end of the project, we will provide:
- Holistic Analysis Models: A new framework for evaluating Smart City activities beyond mere technology.
- Context-Sensitive Benchmarks: Validated methods to ensure fair comparability between diverse municipal structures.
- Impact Measurement Tools: Scientific foundations to systematically evaluate the actual benefit of digital measures.
- Inter-municipal Knowledge Transfer: A structured environment to foster learning and evidence-based decision-making across cities.
The objective is to move beyond purely descriptive comparisons and contribute to the evidence-based advancement of Smart Cities.
Research Approach
SCALE is designed as a cooperative and multi-stage research process. The methodological approach includes:
- Joint development of analysis models and indicators with participating municipalities.
- Structured data collection (e.g., standardized surveys and qualitative supplements).
- Context-sensitive evaluation and classification of results.
- Feedback and discussion of results in various exchange formats.
This approach bridges scientific methodology with practical application.
Project Features
Context-Sensitive Benchmarking:
Comparison within structurally comparable groups.
Impact Orientation:
Focus on the impact and benefits of measures.
Mechanism-Targeted Support:
Intervention components aligned with the specific affective-cognitive processes driving delay for a focal student archetype.
Transferable Design Theory:
Findings abstracted into design principles applicable beyond the immediate SMAP context.
Duration
2025 – ongoing
