Managing future cities: media and information and communication technologies in the context of change

Abstract Purpose The goal of this paper is to examine the usage information technologies and media in two European case studies – Berlin Warsaw. Findings from research can be used create urban policies infrastructure design, based on different strategies cities. Warsaw have taken paths implementing smart city concept, adapting idea their economic, historical, social realities. Media are understood here as human-machine machine-machine communications, also terms both physical digital infrastructure. Methodology aims at examining institutions (both private public) light practical implementation solutions by City Hall authorities. study combines analysis grey literature (news reports, corporate strategies, documentation) with qualitative research: 30 semi-structured interviews conducted local municipalities planners likely provide evidence potential drivers barriers solutions. results that implemented due data entities usually implement strategy independently. task authorities guarantee access basic infrastructure, which basis for creating other entities. Practical implications empirical not yet fully appreciated communication between machines, but there increasing use ‘ad hoc’ Social This may a source managers, focus residents technologies. addressed experts scholars, well sociologists, political scientists, engineers, ICT specialists, policy-makers, managers citizens. Value shows growing importance mobile devices, media-like services resulted changes Hall’s development new theoretical approaches through cities might analysed. finds networks, platforms been describe ways authorities, citizens machines. It has argued fostering an advanced (soft hard) “The Future City”.