Perceived justice in the development and operation of smart platforms: A perspective of low-income residents

Smart city platforms are often presented as technological solutions capable of improving urban efficiency, service delivery, and quality of life. However, these platforms also reshape how urban resources, opportunities, and services are distributed among different social groups. Emerging evidence suggests that smart platforms may inadvertently reinforce existing social inequalities, particularly for low-income residents who encounter significant barriers in accessing, using, or benefiting from these platforms due to limited digital literacy and constrained digital resources.

Within this context, this research employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate how low-income residents perceive and experience justice in the development and operation of smart city platforms. By uncovering the underlying mechanisms through which smart platforms produce or exacerbate perceived injustices among marginalised groups, this research provides a nuanced understanding of the structural barriers embedded in smart platform development, thereby informing policy recommendations for more equitable and inclusive smart city development.