Framework for smart region development : a case study of Indore metropolitian region

Abstract

The concept of Smart region is an extension and the next phase in the development of the smart city model. To understand this concept, it is important to understand the worldwide smart city concepts and its drawbacks. Smart region aims to promote more strategic approaches to regional innovation and economic growth by concentrating on existing resources of those activities, that effectively transforming the existing economic structure through development & innovation. Developing a region by increasing economic and productive efficiency without compromising on natural resources that will lead to improvement in the quality of life of people. Smart region development is important because the city can’t be developed alone ignoring the impact of region on it and vice – versa. This research includes the formulation of the framework for developing smart regions in India by identifying potential regions around proposed smart cities. For the preparation of the framework, it is important to understand the concept of smart region, how this concept transforms from the smart city concept and also unique from other city & regional concepts. Secondly, for any spatial and economic development, several factors play an important role, thereby it’s necessary to analyse those factors critically to find out the focused sectors & region’s capacity to collaborate for smart specialization within that particular region. The dynamics and interdependence between the sectors led to the identification of the potential sectors that lead to regional development and innovation. Formulation of the framework to be done through identification of regions owns strength and potential; prioritization of research & innovation in a particular specialized sector through more investment and shared vision among all settlements for regional innovation. So the three aspects of this concept are smart, specialized and strategic. The Indore Metropolitan Region is taken as a case study area because from the early post-independence planning era there has been marked economic growth and development in Indore as the economic capital of Madhya Pradesh. In recent times the Indore region has and rapidly developed into a significant and influential region in MP and Central India because of economic development (polycentric growth, development of IT hub, industrial corridor, investment region, etc.). This region can be developed as a Smart region by analysing the present factors followed by prioritizing the specialized sectors with innovation and smartness with the help of a formulated framework.