Smart Cities and Digital Inclusion in Education: The Role of Public Administration in Bridging the Digital Divide

Abstract

The development of smart cities has been widely associated with technological innovation and improved urban efficiency. However, its implications for social outcomes, particularly in the field of education, remain insufficiently explored. In this context, digital inclusion emerges as a critical dimension for ensuring that the benefits of smart city initiatives are equitably distributed across all segments of society. This paper examines the relationship between smart city development and digital inclusion in education, with a focus on the role of public administration in addressing the digital divide. It argues that the effectiveness of smart city initiatives cannot be assessed solely through technological indicators, but must also consider their capacity to foster equitable access to digital educational resources for all citizens. Building on literature on smart governance, digital inclusion, and public administration, the study conceptualises digital inclusion in education as a multidimensional construct encompassing access to digital infrastructure, digital skills, and meaningful use of educational technologies. The analytical framework highlights the role of public administration as a key actor in designing and implementing policies that support inclusive digital transformation. Methodologically, the research relies on document analysis of public policies and smart city frameworks, with a focus on extracting good practices. This approach allows for a systematic identification of institutional patterns and structural barriers that shape digital inclusion in education within urban contexts. The expected findings suggest that while smart city initiatives create opportunities for enhancing educational access, their impact is uneven and often constrained by structural inequalities and limited administrative capacity. The study highlights the importance of targeted public policies and governance mechanisms in bridging the digital divide effectively. The contribution of the paper lies in linking smart city development with digital inclusion in education, offering a governance-oriented perspective that emphasises the role of public administration in ensuring equitable and sustainable digital transformation.