Summary of key findings

ASToN local authorities are looking to develop their ability to design and deliver public services that respond to the changing needs and expectations of their citizens. In order to achieve these aims, cities are embarking on a journey of digital transformation, and building up the capabilities of a ‘smart city’.

Digital transformation is complex and nuanced, and will vary depending on the digital maturity of both the
local authority and the territory. Furthermore, we found that the cities in the ASToN network had a huge a range of definitions for the ‘smart city’, and varying levels of digital maturity.

Nevertheless, we were able to identify individual strengths of some cities, as well as shared challenges and learning areas for the network as a whole.