Smart Blue Cities

This paper presents the concept of Smart Cities from the perspective of those located by water, considering if there are more major differences in the way the concept is implemented in coastal cities, as opposed to those located anywhere else. It proves possible to point to such differences, in relation to the three key areas of mobility, the environment and living. Further consideration is given to specific legal and cross-cultural challenges – like excessive tourism and issues of short-term rental – as these appear from the Smart City perspective; and relevant mobility challenges are also addressed. The article further refers to aspects the Smart City and blue growth concepts have in common, as well as to areas in which coordination of the two will be necessary. Ultimately, conclusions are arrived at on the basis of research results for 10 large cities in Poland, the readiness of their city offices to implement the Smart City concept having been the subject of verification.