Beyond high-tech versus low-tech: A tentative framework for sustainable urban data governance

Technological imaginaries have been increasingly shaping the future perceptions of cities. From artificial intelligence and distributed ledger technology to three-dimensional printing, high-tech artifacts are very often premises such imaginaries. However, does not only refer artifacts. Technology also encompasses processes around artifacts: how designed, manufactured, used, maintained, disposed. this perspective, visions disregard problems that pertain resource extraction, labor exploitation, energy use, material flows. On contrary, low-tech localized alternatives incite lower impact higher resilience visions. they fail offer solutions desired scale intensity. To address tension, we provide an alternative vision for mid-tech: a balance between opposite extreme qualities high-tech. Through case open-source prosthetics, illustrate synergistically combine efficiency versatility with potential autonomy offers. Then discuss mid-tech approach from city as license lens. We connections existing or conceptual applications show could support more socially ecologically responsible data practices governance.