A Possible Method for the Socio-Economic Efficiency Estimation of Smart City Projects, Paying Particular Regard to their Digital Technology Content

The digitalisation of the urban environment is one of the key areas for the development of modern urban studies. The projects within the framework of the "Smart City" concept are being implemented not only with a view to digital transformation and automation of urban processes, but also with the aim of achieving a comprehensive increase in the efficiency of the urban infrastructure, Hence, the purpose of this research paper is to propose the most effective estimation methods for the socio-economic changes taking place in Russia. The research consists in an analysis of urban infrastructure digitalisation projects, focusing on the most socially and economically profitable ones, both in terms of performance and functionality, in particular. The main set of research tools consists of searching and selecting information, analysing and processing statistical data, as well as generating a multi-purpose method for the project socio-economic efficiency assessment. Based on this methodology, it is possible to offer optimal solutions and forecast efficiency at the project development stage. The article is concerned with the digital technology projects implemented by the Ministry of Construction of the Russian Federation as a part of the "Smart City" development programs. The authors have concluded that adopting the multi-purpose methods for identifying the socio-economic impact of the "Smart City" digitalisation projects would accelerate the new technology implementation and efficient management of the entire "Smart City" system.