SMART TECHNOLOGIES AND REFLECTIONS ON LOCAL PUBLIC ISSUES IN TURKEY: A REVIEW OF METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITIES

In this research, Internet of Things (IoT) and sensors which is characterized as “smart technologies” and the big data which substantially occurs based on these technologies have been discussed in terms of local governments. The technologies mentioned differ based on the space where they are used and, in this context, bring innovations to the table for local services such as transportation, security, waste, and infrastructure. On the other hand, the big data that emerge by means of smart technologies strengthens the predictability in decisions by decreasing the lapses. In this respect, it becomes possible to make more accurate decisions in terms of local governments. However, in order for a slew of negative occurrences to not be experienced in the process of obtaining and using data, it is important to show care to some matters (like data privacy and security). The reflection of new technological developments and big data which is expressed within this context, on Turkish local governments “how” and “how much” had been examined on metropolitan municipalities. In obtaining data, strategic plans and annual activities reports of the metropolitan municipalities were used primarily. Also, in order to determine metropolitan municipalities’ implementations on this subject; related municipalities’ web pages, academic researches and related news by means of search engines were benefited from. In an examination aimed at strategic plans of metropolitan municipalities, it is determined that space is given to the concept of “smart” without giving room to concepts like “IoT”, “sensors/detectors”, and “big data” in detail, more on the topic of “transportation”. In this context, concepts such as smart signalization, smart stop, smart intersection, and smart ticket are brought to the agenda with regard to transportation. Conversely, when the applications that emerge are studied, it is seen that the topic of transportation takes a priority rank so as to complete the points that stand out in the strategic plan. Following transportations; water, energy and meteorological implementations are come to the forefront.