Cidades inteligentes, participação popular e gestão pública: um estudo do aplicativo Conecta Recife

Abstract

The increasing use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in public administration has driven the development of initiatives related to smart cities, aiming to improve the provision of public services, expand transparency, and strengthen the relationship between government and society. In this context, this study aimed to identify how the implementation of the Conecta Recife application contributes to participatory public management in the city of Recife. To this end, an applied, exploratory, and descriptive research study with a qualitative approach was conducted, characterized as a case study. Data collection was carried out through direct observation of the functionalities available in the application, using content analysis as a data interpretation technique based on the following categories: 3 citizen services, communication, and access to information. The results showed that Conecta Recife contributes to the modernization of public management by centralizing digital services, expanding access to municipal information, and providing communication channels between citizens and public administration. However, the study identified that the platform still presents limitations regarding the promotion of digital mechanisms for direct participation, such as public consultations, hearings, and other spaces for citizen interaction. It is concluded that the application presents characteristics associated with the smart city concept, especially through the use of technology to improve public services, but it has potential for expansion in order to strengthen more active social participation in municipal decision-making processes.