[황준석 교수님 연구실] A Framework-Based Case Study on How G2G Partnerships Shape Smart City Development in Korea and the U.S.
<Executive Summary>
1. Emphasizes Government-to-Government (G2G) partnerships, focusing knowledge sharing within the smart city ecosystem 2. Considers socioeconomic aspect while implementing technologies & can be a guiding principle for the smart city 3. Published in Cities, a Q1 journal in the field of Urban Studies |
1. Literature Background
Previous research on smart cities has predominantly adopted a technology-driven perspective, emphasizing solutions such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and e-governance to address urban challenges. However, more recent studies have increasingly recognized the importance of contextual factors, particularly regional socio-economic conditions, governance structures, and citizen participation. Despite the shift, limited attention has been given to Government-to-Government (G2G) partnerships as a strategic mechanism for aligning technological innovations with local needs. Addressing this gap, the present study aims to integrate theoretical and practical insights by examining how socio-economic considerations and Government-to-Government partnership influence the implementation of smart city strategies.
2. Methodology & Results
This study adopts a qualitative case study approach to examine the smart city development strategies of Siheung-si (South Korea) and NeoCity (Florida, USA). Data were collected through document analysis and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including local government officials, urban planners, and industry experts. The analysis is structured using Dameri’s (2014) smart city framework, which organizes urban development into four interrelated dimensions: land, infrastructure, people, and government.
Land
In Siheung-si, a former industrial test site, the area has been transformed into a smart industrial hub with convenient access to major transportation infrastructure, including international airports and high-speed rail. In contrast, Neocity is a purpose-built greenfield development strategically desinged to support semiconductor innovation and benefits from strong connectivity to regional transportation networks.
Infrastructure
Siheung-si prioritized the early adoption of proven technologies—such as closed-circuit television (CCTV), bus information systems (BIS), and intelligent transportation systems (ITS)—to enhance operational efficiency and reduce personnel costs and government subsidies. NeoCity, by contrast, focuses next-generation infrastructure, including autonomous mobility, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, and integrated water management systems, drawing inspiration from cutting-edge urban models.
People
Siheung-si actively fosters civic engagement through Living Labs, educational partnerships such as Seoul National University (SNU), and supportive policies for startup ecosystems. Citizens are positioned as co-creators in identifying and solving urban challenges, helping to develop technologies that are user-friendly and beneficial to residents. In NeoCity, stakeholder engagement is similarly emphasized, particularly through collaborations with STEM-focused educational institution and technology firms. However, data privacy and surveillance concerns remain a significant issue in the U.S. context, highlighting a key difference in public trust and acceptance.
Government
The governance model in Siheung-si follows a top-down approach, with the central government playing a decisive role selecting project sites and overseeing development. The city’s priorities are structured in the following order: people, government, infrastructure, and land. In contrast, NeoCity adopts a bottom-up governance model, aligning with federal programs such as the *Build Back Better Act. Its development strategy emphasizes public-private-academic partnerships (PPP) and regional economic revitalization through advanced industry clustering.
3. Conclusion
This study highlights the important role of line-">The findings also show that smart city models should be adapted to each region’s social, economic, and environmental context. Rather than applying the same approach everywhere, it is more effective to design smart cities that consider local resources, stakeholder needs, citizens’ understanding of the technology, and existing systems. G2G partnerships can help coordinate these efforts and make smart city development more practical and sustainable.
4. Paper Information
This study was conducted by Professor Junseok Hwang’s team and published in Cities, a leading journal in Urban Studies (IF 6.0, 94.2%). This work is financially supported by Korea Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) as “Innovative Talent Education Program for Smart City.”
Kong, J., Hwang, J., & Kim, H. (2025). Building smarter cities together: Government-to-government partnerships in the development of smart cities. Cities, 156, 105532.
5. Glossary
*Build Back Better Act: A strategic plan bill aimed at reducing the risk to the people of nations and communities in the wake of future disasters and shocks.
