Uma análise geográfica das cidades inteligentes no Rio Grande do Norte à luz dos planos plurianuais

Abstract

Smart cities have become a paradigm increasingly addressed in academic, governmental and public institutions around the world, unfolding into initiatives to solve problems present in urban space through the use of Information and Communication Technologies ( ICTs). With the creation of the Brazilian Network of Smart and Human Cities RBCIH, currently IBRACHICS, municipalities from all macro-regions of Brazil have joined this network. In Rio Grande do Norte, nine municipalities have positioned themselves as “smart” or potentially “smart and human” cities. This research aimed to geographically analyze the “smart cities” of Rio Grande do Norte in light of the Multi-Year Plans, considering documents produced from 2014 onwards. The methodology adopted involved a comprehensive documentary survey and qualitative analysis of the Multi-Year Plans, covering the period of 2014 to 2025. The results highlight a significant advance in the adoption of ICTs, especially in the area of education, although structural challenges still persist. The research concludes that, despite the efforts of municipal managers to implement ICTs, it is necessary to overcome barriers to fully achieve the concept of smart cities. The study highlights the importance of reflections on the desired future for cities in Rio Grande do Norte, aiming to build a more inclusive, sustainable and equitable society.