Course lecturers:

Prof. Dr. Vanessa Boanada Fuchs and Dr. Anthony Boanada-Fuchs

Update:

As a consequence of the global pandemic and mobility restrictions, it was decided to translate the Compact into a virtual study trip. GIMLA is very thankful to all supporting institutions (see news of 30.06) which made a journey in our minds and hearts possible during quarantine measures.

Course outline:

Cities play an increasing role in shaping our societies and future development. Those that manage to activate the potential of technological and social innovations (such as internet of things, big data) and create synergies between different sectors, can become more livable, inclusive, sustainable, economically efficient and administratively transparent. But how innovative is the ʺSmart Citiesʺ discourse? What are the ways through which governments activate technology and innovation to foster more sustainable societies (environmentally and socially)? What can we learn from successful cases? Would it be possible to transfer their approaches to different regional contexts? These are questions that will be addressed during the block seminar taking place in Santiago de Chile, an ideal place to study the topic smart cities and social innovation: The country has generated an innovation culture over the last years which increasingly receives international recognition. The block seminar is scheduled as a workshop week to take place in Santiago de Chile.

Students receive a combination of lectures, site visits, interactive debates with knowledge stakeholders and a hands‐on workshop. Due to the support and involvement of different actors, such as international organisations, the government, local researchers, and NGOs, participants will have wide access to information as well as different viewpoints on smart cities.