THE IMPACT OF DIGITALIZATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF «SMART CITIES»

Abstract

The concept of smart cities is a new strategy for solving the problems caused by urbanization. The Smart Territory is equipped with digital architecture (motion sensors, temperature, pollution, computer networks and con- trol system), and the latest technologies (artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, digital platforms, blockchain, etc.) are not only an important aspect of smart cities, but also their basis. Smart cities are a place of experiments in the field of robotics and automation, and their use in many areas of economic and social life. However, the transformational power of digitalization is associated not only with the benefits of development, but also with problems (job cuts, deepening social inequality, violation of privacy). The uncertain place of a person in the so-called 5.0 society, espe- cially with regard to the availability of digital technologies and skills, leads to a widening digital gap between technically savvy people and people who do not know how to use technology in their lives. The success of the introduc- tion of digital technologies into cities will depend on the knowledge and care with which these technologies are implemented in accordance with universal values. The article talks about the concept of «smart city» as a possibility of intelligent management, economy, life, transport and communications, environment and people. The emphasis is on the political risk of using intelligent technologies, up to digital totalitarianism.