Implementing the “Smart City” Policy: The Case of the Chiang Mai University Smart City Project

Abstract

This article is a qualitative research case study that aims to study 1) the policy implementation process of Chiang Mai Smart City: Excellence for Sustainable Communities and outcomes across 7 Smart dimensions involving Environment, Energy, People, Living, Mobility, Economy, and Governance  2) Leading Success Factors in the Policy Implementation Process of the CMU Smart City Project.Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 31 participants, including policymakers, administrators, vice presidents and directors, implementors, and students from Chiang Mai University and the other Smart City projects.

The research results showed that 1) The implementation process of the smart city policy follows a three-stage. It consisted of three stages. Take-off Stage: The university transformed its policy based on its own context and missions. Policymaking and Planning Included a Smart City Development Agenda in the master plan. Organization and Established the SCMC. and resources allocation and power involving vice-rectors. Deliverer Stage: There was a strong organizational structure recruitment system good culture and the environment It had clear procedures for assigning tasks and evaluating systems and emphasized planning. Implementors had the right attitude, knowledge, and abilities had good will together with leaders. Leaders were strong. Leadership and high abilities. They had high levels of coordination, cooperation, and teamwork. Outcomes Stage: The CMU Smart City met all the elements of a smart city. There were tangible results in some Smart dimensions have changed for the better, especially in the development Smart dimensions of Smart Environment, Smart Energy, Smart Transportation, and Smart Living. Examples included Zero-waste management, reduced carbon emissions, the use of clean energy production and the continuous use of digital technology and data. In some aspects, have continued to develop. 2) Factors contributing to the success of the policy implementation process were divided into Internal Factors: involving visionary leaders who were committed and had a Smart City framework. Implementors and target groups, a good policy implementation process, technology and data and Smart Infrastructure, External Factors: organizational structure, budget, good will, stakeholder participation, and. public relations.