Digital Technology in Urban Management and Spatial Development (Kirkuk City in Iraq - A Case Study)

Abstract

The research aims to study digital transformation in city management and spatial development, and the challenges facing this transformation, in order to integrate digital transformation into the requirements of urban planning and development. Many cities face problems of urbanization, overpopulation, and competition for available resources, as well as renewed human needs and the complexities of urban life. The research hypothesis that the use of digital technology as a tool in city management and urban development will contribute to improving the quality of life in the city and provide a decent life for residents. The research adopted the descriptive analytical method in studying the phenomenon by taking advantage of some relevant references and reviewing some international experiences, as well as a field study - by taking the city of Kirkuk in Iraq as a case study. . It became clear from the results of the research that digital transformation in the field of city management and spatial development opens serious horizons for development, growth, and sustainability, and contributes to the better exploitation for available resources and different land uses in the city. There are also major challenges facing this transformation, first and foremost the large investments that must be directed to infrastructure in the field of information and communications technology, in addition to the need to adopt training and educational programs on how to deal with digital technology, whether at the level of institutions or individuals residing in the city.