The Falafel Theory: How to achieve more with less, for more people

Published on 10 January 2025
Date of Event: 2025-01-10
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The Falafel Theory: How to achieve more with less, for more people
The Falafel Theory: How to achieve more with less, for more people

Smart city projects hold the potential to revolutionise urban environments, yet their success hinges on overcoming significant governance inefficiencies. Recent studies have exposed a global crisis in smart city governance, an issue that remains largely underexplored in academic discourses. While digital technologies show urban innovation potential, the governance approaches employed by local governments worldwide often fall short in effectively coordinating citywide smart city efforts. This inadequacy exposes local communities to potentially harmful technological implementations and enduring inefficiencies.

This seminar will provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the global status of smart city governance, exploring its complexities and challenges. Moreover, viable strategies for enhancing decision-making processes will be presented. The discussion will be informed by the latest academic research and the data collected during the implementation of three global-scale research projects on smart city governance commissioned by the United Nations. Participants will leave with actionable insights into improving local smart city governance frameworks to ensure that urban digital transformations can truly fulfil their potential for increased sustainable development.

Speaker

Maher Kaddoura, Social Innovator, Goodtech Nation

Maher Kaddoura is social innovator and former managing partner at Accenture-Middle East, celebrated for his significant contributions to social entrepreneurship and strategy consulting. He is an advisor to various boards, including the National University of Singapore, University of Chicago, and the Buck Institute, bringing a global perspective that bridges academic research with practical application. He leads his own social innovation NGO with his own global impact angel fund "Goodtech Nation”. He is known for his "Falafel Theory" which maximises resources for broad societal benefits. Maher's extensive travel to over 100 countries enriches his professional endeavours and inspires his ongoing commitment to global social change.

Moderator

Aidan Wong, Assistant Professor, Singapore Management University

Aidan Wong is Assistant Professor of Urban Studies (Education) at the College of Integrative Studies. He is also the Deputy Director of the Wee Kim Wee Centre and Urban Fellow (Urban Life), Urban Institute. Trained as an economic geographer, Aidan’s teaching interests include urban cultures, Singapore studies, and food cultures. His research interests are diverse and include urban waste management and environmental citizenship, urban heritage and active citizenship, and labour relations, particularly in the informal economy, the gig economy, and youth entrepreneurship.