Decentralized Governance Models in Urban Public Management: An Empirical Analysis of Smart City Initiatives in Southeast Asia

Abstract

This study examines the role of decentralized governance in the effective implementation of smart city initiatives in Southeast Asia. Through a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from city planning departments across the region to assess the impact of local autonomy on public resource optimization. Results indicate that cities practicing higher degrees of administrative decentralization exhibit improved service delivery and citizen engagement. The findings suggest a paradigm shift towards localized decision-making structures in urban management.