Entrepreneurial Urbanism in the Competitive age of Smart Cities

Cities are increasingly governed as entrepreneurial entities, competing for talent, investment, and global visibility while navigating the tensions between innovation-driven growth and inclusive urban development. The book advances the concept of Entrepreneurial Urbanism as a framework to explain how local governments adopt strategic, business-like approaches to urban management leveraging digital technologies, public- private partnerships, and data-driven decision-making to shape their competitive positioning in the global arena. Combining theoretical frameworks from urban studies, innovation management, and strategic marketing with real-world examples, the book examines the drivers, mechanisms, and consequences of smart city development. It moves from foundational definitions and the historical evolution of smart cities, through governance models and business-oriented strategies, to the ethical tensions between competitiveness and inclusivity. Finally, the book argues that while entrepreneurial urbanism has the potential to boost urban innovation and growth, it also risks deepening social divides unless balanced with policies prioritizing equity, accessibility, and citizen engagement.