Smart applications of municipalities: The case of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality

A smart municipality, also known as a smart city or smart community, refers to an urban area that uses technology and data-driven solutions to improve the quality of life of its residents, increase sustainability and optimize resource use. In recent years, in parallel with the development of technology and the increase in population, both central and local governments have included smart methods in the management of the society. The concept of smart city has emerged as a result of these efforts of local governments. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the smart municipality applications of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality. For this purpose, the smart city applications implemented in Balıkesir have been determined by examining both the literature and the activity reports of the Metropolitan Municipality. In addition, the current situation of the smart city was evaluated by talking to an official responsible for smart cities in Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality. According to the research findings, although the rate of smart urbanization in Balıkesir is not yet at the desired level, great importance is attached to this issue. In the city, smart applications in areas such as smart transportation, energy management, waste management, smart irrigation, environmental monitoring and public safety have been put at the disposal of the citizens.