A Study on the Preparedness for Developing a Smart City for the Future of Bang Si Mueang Town Municipality, Nonthaburi Province

Abstract

          This research aimed to 1) study the level of preparedness for developing
a smart city for the future of Bang Si Mueang Town Municipality, Nonthaburi Province, 2) examine the factors affecting the preparedness for developing a smart city for the future of Bang Si Mueang Town Municipality, Nonthaburi Province., and 3) present guidelines for developing smart city preparedness for the future of Bang Si Mueang Town Municipality, Nonthaburi Province. This research used a mixed-methods approach. For quantitative approach, the population for the study consisted of 236 personnel affiliated with Bang Si Mueang Town Municipality, with a sample size of 148 people. Questionnaires were used as the data collection tool, with a total of 148 responses received. For qualitative approach, there was also conducted using semi-structured interviews with 9 key informants. The statistics used for data analysis included percentages, means, standard deviations, and multiple regression analysis.
          The results showed that
          1. The level of preparedness for developing a smart city for the future of Bang Si Mueang Town Municipality, Nonthaburi Province, overall were at the high level. When considering each aspect in order from most to least level, there respectively were readiness for smart governance, readiness for smart environment, readiness for educating and informing the public about smart city , readiness for smart people, readiness for smart living, readiness for infrastructure supporting smart city, readiness for smart economy, readiness for smart mobility, and readiness for smart energy.
          2. Factors affecting the preparedness for developing a smart city for the future of Bang Si Mueang Town Municipality, Nonthaburi Province, included organizational resource management factor, organization's executives support factor, and organizational network support factors, all of which were statistically significant at the 0.05 level, that consistent with the qualitative research findings.
          3. Guidelines for preparing for the development of smart cities in the future for Bang Si Mueang Municipality, Nonthaburi Province, include educating personnel and residents in smart city development and fostering understanding among personnel and residents in preparing for the future development of smart city. Bang Si Mueang Town Municipality has various projects and activities that serve as good operational guidelines, which can drive the preparation for the future development of smart cities.