Smart, sustainable mobility in the Hungarian urban development discourse

Abstract

Objectives: The paper aims to define the specific characteristics of the smart, sustainable urban mobility, with a focus on the urban development discourse in Hungary. Prior work: Smart mobility has traditionally been a central topic in the discourse on smart cities. In recent years, however, related scientific publications and EU/Member State policies have increasingly focused on the contribution of (smart) urban mobility to sustainability. Accordingly, this research draws on the latest literature and policies concerning smart, sustainable urban mobility. Approach: The paper primarily employs the content analysis method developed by Klaus Krippendorff, combined with some elements from the discourse analysis toolkit. Using this method, the terms “smart”, “sustainability” and “(urban) mobility” are analysed in documents representative of local-level discourse on urban mobility in Hungary. These documents include sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs) and sustainable urban development strategies (SUDSs) from the most significant Hungarian cities. Results: Higher-level policies have a significant, albeit non-deterministic, impact on municipalities in Hungary. This is most evident in the case of the 'smart” dimension: municipalities that were more committed to participating in the smart, sustainable urban mobility discourse (i. e. those with SUMPs) have adapted to a broader, management-centred, value- and interest-driven approach inspired by EU policies, rather than to the traditional technology-oriented approach. The situation is less clear with regard to the “sustainability” and '(urban) mobility” dimensions. In these latter cases, there was a greater scope for local interpretations of the terms. Implications/value: The paper is intended to provide guidance not only to researchers but also to practitioners, such as local stakeholders preparing or reviewing their SUMPs. In particular, it can help to align the concept of smart, sustainable urban mobility with academic standards, higher-level political expectations and local characteristics.