Paper long abstract:

On January 18, 2019, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan passed a resolution on the "Concept of the Introduction of "Smart City" Technology in the Republic of Uzbekistan." Prior to this there have been existing "Smart City" developments in Uzbekistan, but this is the first codified framework for their development in the country. Defining what a smart city is has proven conceptually and practically challenging for scholars. Based on this piece of legislation, the meaning of the smart city is focused on the use of innovative technologies to help increase the efficiency in various sectors and monitoring devices and techniques to allow data to be gathered and tracked. Critiques of the smart city have centered on its technocratic nature and now technology and data can be used to marginalize or control populations. In addition, the smart city is seen by some as another market-driven strategy, using buzzwords without any substance, to attract investment.

This paper explores the new "Smart City" policy along with existing projects and technologies designated to test certain elements. Ten sectors are identified for the application of smart concepts along with three ongoing projects to incorporate in the smart city framework. These three projects are Nurafshon, Tashkent City, and Delta City. The Nurafshon smart city project, for example, will reportedly be constructed by experts from South Korea and Singapore and is expected to attract $2.5 billion in foreign investment.

This research asks how these projects are affecting urban economic development and urban spatial form. By looking at the particular smart concepts being used in each project, it is possible to analyze the source of financial investment and technological contribution as well as the physical application and implementation of these concepts and technologies affecting urbanization. This research contributes to research on smart city policy, the use of smart concepts for urban development, and post-Soviet cities.