The potential and challenges of artificial intelligence in empowering citizens in smart cities

Abstract

The development of new digital technologies, especially artificial intelligence, has created mental transformations in the structure and work of cities and provided the basis for the formation of the concept of "smart city". Among them, the empowerment of one of the citizens as the pillars of the foundation of sustainable urban development has a special place. By creating advanced data analysis tools, intelligent decision-making, personalized services and promoting social participation, artificial intelligence creates significant structures for improving the quality of life and increasing the efficiency of urban management. However, the use of this technology is also accompanied by challenges such as the digital divide, concerns related to privacy, data security, algorithmic bias, and ethical issues, which can limit the process of empowering citizens. The research method of this study is descriptive-analytical and has a qualitative approach. The required data has been collected through a library and through a review of reliable scientific sources, including scientific-research articles, specialized books, and international reports. In the findings section, using the qualitative content analysis method, the capacities and challenges of artificial intelligence in the context of a smart city have been identified and classified, and its various dimensions in the social, economic, technological, and governance areas have been examined. The results of the study indicate that artificial intelligence can play an effective role in empowering citizens by improving access to urban services, increasing transparency, promoting citizen participation in decision-making, developing digital skills, and optimizing urban resource management. In contrast, factors such as inequality in access to technology, weak digital infrastructure, lack of appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks, and cultural and educational challenges are among the most important obstacles to the full realization of these capacities. Accordingly, the realization of a human-centered smart city requires a balanced approach that, while utilizing the capacities of artificial intelligence, also pays special attention to managing and reducing its challenges.