Abstract

The subject of this paper is: how large metropolitan areas in the South of Italy can become smart? They are suffering an endemic crisis in terms of social cohesion, sustainability of processes, quality and facilities. Nonetheless, they have a large and often devalued cultural and social capital, and interesting potentials in view of smart cities. The authors suggest a version of urban smartness strongly marked in the sense of sustainability and social equity as part of the extended urban welfare. This analysis is placed in the context of major global changes, especially with regard to climate change and the energy crisis. The crucial role of EU policies is highlighted as well as the lack of national urban policies. A critical point appears the risk that the idea of smart city is implemented in a reductive and purely technological sense. Large southern cities instead have to face a cultural and political challenge.