Unequal in the smart city?: spatial segregation and digital inequalities in Madrid

Abstract

This work analyzes the inequality of urban spaces in Madrid, with reference to the smart city model, estimating the digital uses of the population by districts. This estimation is necessary given that public data on digital uses at an infra-municipal level is unavailable. The results confirm that areas with lower per capita income and education levels are also those having lower levels of digital access and use, as required by the smart city applications.

Thus, digital inequality overlaps with other classic criteria of urban segregation. This may lead to an increased vulnerability of these disadvantaged areas in this city model.