Regional governance is the arch-enemy and destroyer of a "republican form of government" as guaranteed to the states by the U.S. Constitution. ASU started the "Smart Region Initiative" that will impose Smart City policies throughout the region.
Since President Trump has put the brakes on climate change policies, it is incongruous that the administration will now approve massive alternative energy projects on public lands, all of which will involve Public-Private-Partnerships.
Several European nations have adopted Technocrat-run governance and none have met expectations. However, when the economy again turns south, there will be populist demand for even more Technocrats.
Complete Streets' promotes bicycles, scooters, foot traffic, light rail, etc., to the detriment of private transportation. In Pittsburgh, bike and lane usage will be zero in the winter when temps hover around 20 degrees.
Technocrat rule is not just seen in Europe, China and India: The Islamic world is also strongly attracted to Techno-populism and Technocrat governance. In Lebanon's case, even Hezbollah approves.
What is the cumulative societal effect of drug saturation by Big Pharma? It's big part of why our nation is dysfunctional: Statins, anti-depressants, asthma drugs, vaccines, ad infinitum. Big Pharma blatantly refuses to take any responsibility.
The Asia & Pacific Policy Society notes that there is a strong temptation in policy circles to rely on Technocracy and that it is here to stay. The author asks, "Can we nameplate every new innovation as ‘smart’ while expecting it to redeem outdated policy thinking?
A hint of citizen displeasure and resistance to Big Brother everywhere has peeked through in China. It's not just that the lawsuit against surveillance was filed, but that over 100 million social media users are following the story.
The elitist World Economic Forum is 100% behind Sustainable Development, aka Technocracy, claiming that the future Smart City should be 'first and foremost a sustainable city to minimize its environmental impact.'