Lessons Learned from the Sustainable Kyoto Smart City Development in the 21st Century

Abstract

Background and Aims: The 21^st century has seen the development of smart cities as a means to enhance urban areas through the use of technology, which helps unlock the potential of cities and achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). According to the Global Data Strategy (GDS) index, Japan ranks 10th globally, with Kyoto ranked 1st in Japan in 2024 in terms of success in achieving the 17 SDGs set by the United Nations. This article aims to 1) study the approach to the sustainable development of Kyoto as a smart city in the 21st century (2001–2024) and 2) extract lessons from the sustainable Kyoto smart city development in the 21st century to inform the development of sustainable smart cities in Thailand.

Methodology: This qualitative research utilizes secondary data, primarily from the official website of the local government agency of Kyoto (Kyoto City Official Website), along with relevant articles, research studies, and the researcher’s own experiences in Kyoto.

Results: The sustainable Kyoto smart city development in the 21st century (2001–2024) can be divided into 3 phases as follows: Phase 1 (2001-2010) focused on establishing the framework for Kyoto's urban development; Phase 2 (2011-2020) emphasized a collaborative plan with consumers at the core; and Phase 3 (2021-2025) involves participatory management. As an Eco-Model City or Low-Carbon City in Japan’s SDGs Future City project, Kyoto has successfully achieved the 17 SDGs set by the United Nations. The key approaches are summarized as follows: 1. Kyoto conducted public hearings at every stage of urban development in the 21st century, with citizens truly at the center. 2. Emphasis was placed on the application of digital technology, driving urban development through the integration of Big Data infrastructure, resulting in three strong pillars. 3. Collaboration across all sectors was fostered to build mutual understanding and encourage proactive participation. 4. Land use planning and landscape preservation were prioritized. 5. Kyoto was developed as a city of global cultural freedom.

Conclusion: The research found that the development of Kyoto in the 21st century is not only about becoming "smarter" through applying innovative technologies as tools for managing big data (Data Collaboration Infrastructure) but also emphasizes sustainability by creating value through proactive collaboration, focusing on humans, fostering an open government, and sharing information. Kyoto is a global cultural city with a beautiful landscape and well-planned land use. It is also a sustainable ecological city with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a meaningful way. This approach serves as a model for other cities with similar contexts, such as those in Thailand, where it can be adapted appropriately for development.