A Smart Urban Governance Model with Emphasis on New Public Management

Smart urban governance, in conjunction with New Public Management, provides a framework for restructuring decision-making processes, public service delivery, and the accountability of urban institutions. The present article aims to explain the conceptual foundations, identify institutional and technological components, and propose an integrated model for enhancing efficiency, transparency, and citizen participation in urban administration. This study employs a descriptive-analytical approach based on library research and a review of relevant scholarly articles. Analysis of the theoretical foundations indicates that the realization of smart governance does not depend solely on the development of digital infrastructure; rather, it requires administrative restructuring, data integration, human resource empowerment, interorganizational coordination, and the establishment of effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Accordingly, the proposed model is based on the interaction of five components: institutional governance, data-driven decision-making, results-oriented public services, citizen participation, and information accountability. The findings indicate that aligning the principles of New Public Management with technological capabilities can improve the quality of managerial decisions, reduce costs arising from inefficiency, and strengthen public trust. Achieving these outcomes requires clear rules for data protection, appropriate distribution of responsibilities among urban institutions, continuous performance assessment, and adherence to equity in public service delivery. The article emphasizes the need to move beyond tool-oriented smartification toward problem-oriented and citizen-centered governance.