Smart reality in Hungary? The chances of implementation of smart programmes in Miskolc and the Hungarian– Slovak cross-border region

Abstract

The transformation of Hungarian cities into ‘smart cities’ is one of the government’s priorities. Therefore, several cities have started to implement smart initiatives. International cooperation is an efficient solution in this area for two reasons: firstly, because specific national funds or subsidy programmes are lacking, and secondly because such cooperation offers excellent opportunities to test and adapt relevant and up-to-date international good practices. Especially cities with county rank and districts in the capital have initiated smart projects. But is it actually the privilege of cities to be smart? Our research goal was to verify the basic hypothesis that smartness can also be transferred to less developed rural small towns if suitable approaches and methodology are applied. To this end, we conducted a qualitative empirical analysis based on two case studies from the less developed North Hungarian region (convergence region).

After a short introduction to the Hungarian situation in an international context and to the state of the art, we present the results of a secondary analysis and case study research, especially regarding the applied project concepts and methods as well as non-technical solutions. What we have investigated are the medium-term results of two international projects: a unique Horizon2020 Smart Cities and Communities flagship project involving a Hungarian medium-sized city (Miskolc) as a so-called Follower City and a cross-border (Interreg Slovakia–Hungary) project based on inter-institutional cooperation in a less-advantaged peripheral micro-region. So in the same NUTS2 region (Northern Hungary), the clearly different conceptual context and the prospects for the implementation of smart programmes in the case of a medium-sized city (big city by Hungarian standards) and small neighbouring villages were examined. Although the two projects analysed differ in approach, scope, settlement type and methodology, they are carried out in the same Hungarian region, in the same period and in the same sectoral area of Smart Cities and Communities. The medium-term results allow some conclusions to be drawn about the main challenges, positive and negative experiences and critical points in the implementation of smart programmes in contemporary Hungary.

With regard to the strategic priorities at national level and the first initiatives at local level, a decline and a lack of orientation can currently be observed. After initially promising activities to transfer good practice and to benchmark, national coordination, strategic planning and policy initiatives remained insufficient, as did the allocation of necessary funding. The main bottlenecks are the lack of competence and capacity of local governments, the low level of citizen participation and commitment, the insufficient involvement of ‘grassroots’ initiatives and the issues of ethical and transparent use of private data. Even more important is the need to change attitudes towards a holistic and ecosystem-based approach that seeks a balance between economic growth and social cohesion.

Given the current planning phase for the next EU programme period of 2021–2027, including the Horizon Europe programme, the issue is extremely topical and significant. The pilot projects can serve as a proof of concept, and the interim results and conclusions presented can provide a solid basis for future policy interventions and measures in the field of smart cities and municipalities. What is required now is action.