In the context of rapid technological development, the idea of a self-governing smart city emerges as a promising vision. This is a model of urban life where artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain are integrated to create a system that operates almost independently, reducing reliance on traditional human management.
Such a city is imagined with comprehensive IoT infrastructure, where everything from streetlights and traffic systems to waste management is connected and automatically adjusted. AI urban governance would analyze real-time data to make optimal decisions for transportation, energy, healthcare, and education. Transactions, budgets, and management decisions would be recorded on transparent blockchain systems, ensuring immutability. Meanwhile, automated public services would allow citizens to access administration, healthcare, and education quickly through digital platforms without complicated procedures.
If implemented, a self-governing smart city would bring many benefits. It would maximize efficiency, reducing energy waste, managing resources intelligently, and minimizing traffic congestion. Data-driven decisions would ensure transparency and fairness, limiting corruption and bias. Citizens would enjoy a higher quality of life, with fast, convenient, and accurate services. Most importantly, the city would have the flexibility to adapt to changes in population, climate, or social needs.
Yet challenges remain. Building such a system requires enormous infrastructure costs. The risk of cybersecurity threats is ever-present, as an attack could paralyze the entire city. Social and psychological factors must also be considered: will people accept AI and automated systems making decisions on their behalf? Furthermore, legal and ethical issues arise: who bears responsibility when a self-governing system makes mistakes?
Nevertheless, the vision of a city where traffic never jams because AI coordinates vehicles in real time, where renewable energy is distributed optimally, and where public services are delivered instantly through digital platforms continues to inspire hope. A self-governing smart city could become a symbol of progress, where technology not only serves humanity but also replaces traditional governance. At the same time, it raises profound questions: are we ready to entrust social management to an automated system, and if so, what are the limits of such self-governance?
