Regional Science Inquiry

Cyberspace and the transformation of cities to cybercities: A Trialectic approach

Kostas PHYSENTZIDES

University of Thessaly, Department of Urban & Regional Planning, Volos, Greece

kphysent@uth.gr

Abstract

The present paper elaborates on the major transformation processes of a city into a cybercity and the process of embedding the virtual into the real. The paper aims to shed light on the integration of human capabilities (intelligence, imagination, creativity) by use of ICTs applications that drive processes, which transform the city of geography and place into a hybrid: the cybercity. The emerging cybercity expands beyond its traditional geographical boundaries of place, embracing a new digital virtual space, which is placeless and timeless. At the same time, the embedding of human intelligence in the urban material structures creates intelligent and smart environments that transform society.

read more

Voula PSARAKI

Department of Transportation Planning and Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, National Technical University of Athens

vpsaraki@civil.ntua.gr

Ioanna PAGONI

Department of Transportation Planning and Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, National Technical University of Athens

ipagoni@central.ntua.gr

Abstract

The focus of the present paper is on the role of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in addressing road capacity issues, and delivering environmental benefits. For this purpose, three ITS technologies are selected: Driver Assistance Systems (DAS); Automated Highway System (AHS) for passenger traffic; and Commercial Vehicle Operations (CVO) for freight traffic, based on the profile of their characteristics and the projected implementation pathways. These are further evaluated as to their potential for improving the road capacity of the TEN-T European network; achieving fuel savings; and reducing CO₂ emissions.

read more

A.K.M. Muzahidul Islam

(Corresponding Author), Malaysia-Japan Int’l Institute of Technology (MJIIT), e-mail: akmmislam@ic.utm.my OR islam_muzahidul@yahoo.com

Lalitha Bhavani Jivanadham

Advanced Informatics School (AIS), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Nafees Mansoor

Malaysia-Japan Int’l Institute of Technology (MJIIT)

Sabariah Baharun

Malaysia-Japan Int’l Institute of Technology (MJIIT)

Shamsunnahar Khanam

Graduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Toyohashi University of Technology, 441-8580 Aichi, Japan

Abstract

The most exposed advancement in this era of globalization has been the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) influx. It has turned the world into a global village with boundless connectively, interactive organizations, information sharing and infinite accesses across the globe. It is a cross-cutting issue as well as an indispensable instrument for social and economic development. For decades ICT has been playing an important role in creating employment, hovering work skills and production. The adoption of ICT can dramatically reduce corruption from a society, thus can bring forward-looking governance in the country. The life and livelihood of a large number of populations, especially those living in rural areas, cannot be developed without utilizing the ICT scope for them. However, Bangladesh, a developing country, with huge potential, despite many problems still far away from using ICT, when the whole world is getting developed with the blessings of ICT. Malaysia, another developing country, was once seen as potential high-tech hub that is downplaying its role now and has focused on developing its own infrastructure. On the other hand, Japan as a developed country and one of the top industrialized countries in the world, has been able to exploit the all-out paybacks from ICT till date.

In this paper, we provide a comprehensive empirical analysis on Information and Communication in developing and developed countries where Bangladesh, Malaysia and Japan are the study regions. We also provide a comparative analysis, raise some future challenges and describe the steps taken forward for the ICT development in these regions before providing a set of recommendations for these nations which also can be adopted by other developing countries.

read more