Information and Communications Technology as Potential Catalyst for Sustainable Urban Development

Book excerpt: This title was first published in 2002: The information revolution has deeply influenced the development of Europe’s large cities. They are faced with new opportunities and threats from the information and communication technologies (ICTs) and require strategic policy responses. By examining and comparing five European cities - Eindhoven, Helsinki, Manchester, Marseilles and the Hague - this book sheds light on the impact of ICTs on urban development and considers the consequences for urban management. Case studies show how cities use new technologies to improve the delivery of municipal services, to increase civil participation and local democracy, to help their citizens and businesses make the shift to the information society, and to fight the digital divide . These analyses reveal strategic challenges and potential pitfalls for ICT policy. The book offers a unique international perspective on the impact and potential of information technologies on urban development. The integrative approach - taking economic, social and accessibility issues into account - reveals many new insights.