Smart governance in Poland: The case study of the city of Łódź

Abstract

This paper examines how Łódź, Poland's fourth-largest city, embodies emerging trends in smart governance through its innovative digital initiatives, contextualized within the legal framework for algorithmic transformation under Polish law. Focusing on national policies shaping smart governance, the study highlights key urban sectors most influenced by digitalization. Drawing on established concepts of smart cities, smart governance, e-government, and m-government, the paper evaluates how these principles are implemented in Poland. The research builds on the authors' broader work on the algorithmization of the Polish state, supported by their participation in an international project that gives a foundation for understanding Łódź's legal and operational landscape. Employing a mixed methodology of desk research, empirical analysis, case studies, and observational techniques, the study investigates current policies and interviews city administrators to gain insight into existing tools and forthcoming innovations in smart governance. These findings are grounded in the legal framework enabling these transformations. The results offer a comprehensive view of Poland's progress in digital public administration, positioning Łódź as a case study for leveraging governance technologies within legal standards. By contributing to the broader European and global discourse on smart governance, the paper fills a critical gap in the literature, as Łódź has received limited scholarly attention in this field. This study also serves as a practical guide for policymakers and practitioners aiming to implement smart governance tools within their jurisdictions, addressing both current applications and potential future developments. In light of rapid technological advancements, the paper assesses the impact of Polish law on digital governance. It explores the possibilities for future implementation, providing timely and relevant insights for academia and practice alike.
The research leading to the paper was funded by the National Science Center of Poland (NCN) as part of the project entitled “Consumer Protection and Artificial Intelligence. Between law and ethics” (2018/31/B/H35/01169).