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Intelligent Urban Development: An Introduction to a Participatory Approach

Electronic solutions are increasingly a part of urban management and development. Whilst these have been viewed mainly in terms of their potential for reducing public expenditure, this paper argues that there are other major social, economic and political issues for which electronic solutions offer potential, but which have received less attention. For example, in terms of one of the most pressing challenges for urban managers across the developed world—that of the reduction of social exclusion and the redevelopment of deprived neighbourhoods—electronic solutions can offer directions that improve access to public services and increase participation in their design and operation. The literature on contemporary urban environments has, for the most part, paid little attention to the development of such electronic solutions. Taking the issue of transport and its role in social exclusion as a key consideration in urban development, this paper will highlight the role that the new information and communication technologies (ICTs) can play in improving access to information and services, the deprivation of which is often seen as a characteristic of being socially excluded. Furthermore, given that social exclusion is about lack of control and participation in the decision-making process, this paper will also highlight the potential that ICTs have in redefining the relationship between expert and client, manager and user within urban management and development, with significant social and political consequences.