Implementation of the smart city concept in medium-sized cities – an analysis of Rumia’s urban policy

Abstract

Progressive urbanization, the adverse effects of climate change, urban sprawl, and the misalignment of public services with the growth of urban centers represent some of the challenges faced by contemporary local governments. One of the responses to these issues has been the concept of sustainable urban development. Among the various implementation models, the smart city concept stands out by integrating key elements from other approaches. In both academic literature and smart city rankings, smaller urban centers are often overlooked in favor of large metropolitan areas. The aim of this study is to review the smart city concept, examine its applicability to small and medium-sized cities, identify barriers to implementation as described in recent research, and assess the extent to which Rumia – a medium-sized city in the Pomeranian Voivodeship – has introduced such initiatives. The study is based on a literature review and the analysis of key municipal documents: The 2023 Report on the State of the City of Rumia, The Rumia Development Strategy 2023–2032, and The Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the City of Rumia. The findings indicate that Rumia undertakes smart city initiatives, particularly within the domain of smart environment, through the development of renewable energy sources, water management systems, and climate adaptation strategies. However, significant barriers to the implementation of smart city solutions remain. This research highlights the relevance of the smart city concept for medium-sized urban areas and emphasizes the need to adapt such strategies to their specific conditions. The findings may serve as a reference point for other cities seeking to implement intelligent urban governance solutions.