Artificial Intelligence in Smart City Governance: Case Studies of Singapore and Barcelona
Published 8 May 2026 · Added to radar 5 Nov 2026
Source abstract
Gen AI is transforming city and urban governance in a way that enhances decision-making, management of infrastructure, and delivery of services to the population. This article considers the role of Gen AI in Singapore and Barcelona and determines that AI has a positive effect in Singapore in terms of traffic movement and healthcare and improving waste management and energy consumption in Barcelona. Governance models have a significant impact on the efficiency of AI: a centralized governmental body in Singapore would allow achieving the desired effect more quickly, and the participatory benefit of Barcelona can decelerate its implementation. Using the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) Theory, the adoption behaviors and ethical consequences of AI were determined. Although the efficiency gains, which are made by AI, are impressive, there are instances where its impact is excessive to the extent of putting issues of trust in AI and fairness. Some of the recommendations are to enhance AI risk assessment, empower the people and hold the algorithms accountable in order to bring future smart city projects to democratic values and social justice.
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