CREATING SMART CITIES – A STRATEGIC CONCEPT OF INNOVATIVE URBAN DEVELOPMENT

The conceptual views on the development of the SMART-cities, which are characterized by ambiguity, are examined in the article. On the one hand, the SMART-city concept is a logical continuation of the penetration of information and communication technologies into our lives. On the other hand, cities are gradually becoming effective robots, and people are under constant surveillance, which to some extent violates their right to privacy. At the same time, it is determined that SMART-cities are characterized by innovative use of information and communication technologies to ensure diverse, comfortable and sustainable urban development. Under conditions of democratic governance in the city, establishing close feedback with citizens and involving them in decision-making of ICT-based innovations can significantly improve the functioning of urban services and help create a safe environment and a favorable business climate in the city. Therefore, the implementation of the SMART-city concept is becoming increasingly popular and covers both large and medium and small cities. Approaches to the evaluation of SMART-cities are outlined. The spheres of urban development and indicators by which it is possible to investigate the degree of implementation of the SMART-city concept in different cities are described. The world experience of application of information and communication technologies in the city management system is investigated. It is revealed that there are no uniform approaches to the essence of necessary innovations and ways of their implementation. SMART-city strategies are very different, they take into account the specific problems and opportunities of urban communities. The experience of Ukrainian cities in the context of SMART-city is studied, which testifies to significant successes in this direction. It is determined that SMART-city should be an instrument of realization of the strategic vision of the city development, developed by the city authorities in close cooperation with the public, and not be separate business projects.