Roles of local users for high-technology diffusion through the “Smart City” policy

A case study of Yokohama

Abstract

This study aimed to elucidate the role of high-technology users, especially local users within the “Smart City” policy. Three axes in my research framework were set: spatial scale (national, prefectural, and municipal), user (government, private firms, organization, and resident), and diffusion process (adoption, promotion, and utilization). The axes were then combined for analysis. Yokohama conducted various actions as one of the model areas for “next-generation energy and the social infrastructure model area,” proposed by the national government. Yokohama city government planned the “Yokohama Smart City Project (YSCP)” for diffusion of various types of hightechnology, such as the home energy management system (HEMS). A number of private firms and residents adopted HEMS during the YSCP term. Users’ relationships with business partners and customers boosted this HEMS diffusion. While some users’ relationships were previously established, others were built during the YSCP term. Moreover, local users retained their original relationships with others. Although government and core enterprises promoted high-technology diffusion to other areas than YSCP targeted areas, promotion weakened following the YSCP term. However, a local user created and applied a new way of using HEMS by employing an experience from the YSCP.