The Diffusion of Smart Cities in ASEAN Countries: An Analysis

Abstract

Policy diffusion happens when one government decides to adopt a policy because another country also implemented the said policy. The spread of a particular policy internationally or globally is caused by the policy adoption and implementation of one government that influences another government to do the same. This study analyzes the policy diffusion of smart city development program in the member states/governments of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The smart cities diffused in the ASEAN countries because of the mechanisms of coercion, competition, learning, and emulation. Coercion diffused smart cities because of the manipulation of economic benefits, monopolization of information and expertise on the part of the powerful countries and big corporations. Competition diffused smart cities because ASEAN leaders view it to achieve competitive economy, an inclusive and sustainable development and economic growth in the region and improve the quality of life of ASEAN citizens. Learning diffused smart cities because the promotion of mutual learning through the exchange of ideas, experiences and views on policy, governance, best practices, business solutions and joint research and innovation will contribute a lot to the realization of the smart cities program. Lastly, emulate diffused smart cities because of the successes of Singapore. Singapore is the only ASEAN city that is focused on improving productivity and designing new types of citizen experiences. It is also the most advanced smart cities in the ASEAN region and one the advanced smart cities globally. Almost all ASEAN countries wanted to be like Singapore in terms of economy, education, technological innovation, and government service.