As cities throughout the world embrace digital transformation, smart advertising has emerged as a tool to create more inclusive, efficient, and citizen-centric urban environments.
Municipalities can foster stronger community engagement, empower local businesses, and improve accessibility by using AI, IoT, and data-driven strategies.
Murat Ozkiyikci, smart advertising department manager at Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, spoke with IoT news, highlighting the evolving role of smart advertising in shaping modern urban experiences. “A city isn’t just a collection of infrastructure—it’s about the people who live and interact within it. Our goal is to make every citizen feel connected and engaged through technology,” he explains.
Building a citizen-centric smart city
A city’s success lies in its ability to integrate technology in ways that serve its people. Digitalisation, personalisation, and a data-driven approach can create an ecosystem where residents contribute to urban planning and development. Ozkiyikci emphasises that inclusivity is a foundational principle, noting, “A smart city is not just about high-tech solutions but about ensuring that every citizen, regardless of background or access to technology, has a voice.”
Encouraging active citizen participation requires a strategic approach. Governments must adopt targeted communication strategies to effectively reach diverse groups. Incentives, such as rewards for engagement in sustainability initiatives or public projects, might foster involvement. Gamification techniques, such as interactive surveys and digital town halls also play a role in making civic engagement more appealing.
Collaboration: The backbone of smart cities
No city can work in isolation; collaboration among citizens, businesses, and local governments is the backbone of any successful smart city initiative. “The key to an effective smart city is synergy. Public-private partnerships, transparent data-sharing, and community involvement drive long-term urban improvements,” Ozkiyikci states. Digital platforms allow for real-time feedback and problem-solving, making urban management more agile, he said.
Cities can prioritise open data initiatives so businesses and citizens can take part in problem-solving. For example, sharing real-time traffic and mobility data allows developers to create better public transport applications for better commuting. In Gaziantep, multi-stakeholder collaboration has resulted in enhanced infrastructure projects and more efficient service delivery.
The power of smart advertising in urban development
Smart advertising is not just a commercial tool — it drives economic growth, community engagement, and urban planning improvements. “When done right, smart advertising becomes an information hub rather than just a marketing platform. It provides valuable insights into citizen behaviour while ensuring businesses can connect with the right audiences,” says Ozkiyikci.
Cities can improve business-to-citizen interactions by using digital billboards, smart kiosks, and advertising. For example, targeted promotions allow small businesses to reach niche audiences, and interactive ads provide updates on public events, local news, and city services.
Gaziantep has used smart advertising to boost local commerce by offering small businesses advertising options that increase visibility and foot traffic. “Smart advertising should be accessible to all businesses, not just large corporations. It should level the playing field,” Ozkiyikci says. By creating affordable digital advertising spaces, the city ensures that local enterprises remain competitive.
Inclusivity and accessibility in the smart city framework
Ensuring that technology serves all residents is a big part of urban innovation. Ozkiyikci stresses that smart city initiatives should be designed with inclusivity in mind. “If a segment of the population is excluded from technological advancements, then we have failed in our mission,” he says. Bridging the digital divide is important, especially for underserved communities, which include the elderly and low-income groups.
Gaziantep has implemented subsidised internet access programmes, digital literacy initiatives, and free Wi-Fi hotspots in areas like parks, libraries, and community centres. Accessibility also extends to digital services; municipal applications are equipped with multilingual support, voice recognition, and screen readers to make sure all residents can engage with the city’s tools.
AI-powered city services can personalise engagement by offering customised updates in many languages, so non-native speakers can stay up to date with urban developments. IoT-enabled smart infrastructure, such as adaptive public transportat notifications, ensures differently-abled people have the support needed to navigate the city.
How Gaziantep is leading the smart advertising revolution
Gaziantep’s approach to smart city development and advertising is an example for other urban centres that want to citizen engagement, economic development, and sustainability. The city has deployed digital advertising screens in key locations, so businesses have cost-effective marketing options, and citizens get real-time information.
These digital platforms can give public service announcements and inform about sustainability programmes and cultural events. “Our advertising strategy is twofold: helping businesses grow while making sure citizens receive important and relevant information that benefits their daily lives,” Ozkiyikci explains.
One innovation has been the integration of AI into advertising models for personalised content delivery. Data collected from IoT sensors and smart applications helps tailor advertisements based on demographics and relevance. “Our goal is to make advertising smarter—not intrusive. The focus should be on improving the urban experience, not overwhelming residents with information,” says Ozkiyikci.
Beyond economic benefits, smart advertising has made a contribution to Gaziantep’s sustainability initiatives. By switching from traditional billboards to digital signage, the city has reduced paper waste and energy consumption with solar-powered screens. The environmental impact of advertising is a frequently overlooked aspect of the activity, but Gaziantep’s model might prove that smart advertising can be both effective and eco-friendly.
Conclusion
Gaziantep is integrating smart advertising into its broader smart city strategy. As Ozkiyikci puts it, “A smart city isn’t just about the technology — it’s about how that technology improves everyday life for the people who call it home.” Gaziantep demonstrates that the future of urban development is intelligent and people-focused through collaborative governance, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to inclusivity.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Muhammad Zulhusni
Quelle/Source: IoT Tech News, 04.02.2025
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