BACKGROUND and SCOPE
Many Asian regions stands on the edge of a precipice due to globalization. Regional problems that many urban and rural areas in Asia are faced with are characterized by numerous influencing factors, i.e; segregation, poverty, congestion, aging, degradation of natural resources, etc.
Meanwhile, the infection of the Covid-19 is rapidly propagating the globalized human networks. Amidst the current worldwide outbreak of the Covid-19, urban and rural economies in every country are struggling to seek powerful drivers for economic and societal recoveries.
Nevertheless, this historical pandemic outbreak has led towards revolutionary technological transformation whereby online communications appear to be penetrating every part of our lives and business activities. Also, teleworking and online shopping have emerged as part of our daily realms, no longer mere features in our dreams.
In this situation, national and local governments should take various policy initiatives in order to recover the Covid-19 affected economies and society and to overcome the underlying problems of Asian cities and regions, within the often-demonstrated limitations of governmental capacity. In this context, it is time for us to build a new paradigm of inclusive smart city governance in order to establish various hyper-systems supported by new digital transformation technologies in efforts to expand and improve the existing systems. Thus, a platform for collaborative community management supported by a public-private partnership as well as ecosystems formed by various stakeholders is vital.
In discussing community platforms, the most important concept that we should take into consideration is social inclusion and citizen-driven approach as its practical frame of reference. It should be underlined that our communities might stand at the edge of falling into those categories of society controlled by surveillance, which become enabled by the usage of advanced sensors and ICT technologies. However, the citizen-driven approach, in general, refers to human network orientation filled with various wills and needs of human beings as well as social capitals that enhance trust, concern for one’s associates, and cooperation. In several fields of research and public policymaking, the concept of social capital and social inclusion are essential for smart city governance. Discussing and materializing the concept of a citizen-driven approach for smart cities will contribute towards the continuous enhancement of the smartness of the communities in Asian regions.