Still not there, but on our way: thinking of urban ICT policies in European cities

In the information society, information and communication technology (ICT) is potentially an important policy tool. Especially at local levels, scholars stress the essentiality of active intervention and use of ICT tools. However, since these technologies are still new, little experience exists relative to urban ICT initiatives. This paper therefore aims to examine the way urban front-liners (both elected politicians and administrative professionals) perceive the opportunities of urban ICT policy. Using a European survey, the authors researched views and beliefs about different aspects of urban ICT policies. Following that, they tested whether there is a relationship between the activity field of the respondents and their views on ICT policies. Significant differences among urban planners and economists were established. Copyright 2003 by the Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG.