Publications in IJPSC

2025

1. Research Article · Vol. 1, No. 2

   The Importance of Smart Cities: Challenges, Opportunities and Implementation Strategies

   Karl-Heinz Dieser

   doi:10.61030/IJPSC.25.v02pp03 PDF

   Abstract

   This article addresses the growing significance of smart cities amidst global urbanization trends and their implications for municipal structures. As challenges such as infrastructure overload, resource scarcity, environmental issues, and demographic shifts intensify, the necessity for digital, interconnected, and sustainable urban development concepts becomes evident. Smart cities aim to leverage modern information and communication technologies to enhance administrative efficiency, optimize mobility, conserve resources, and elevate citizens' quality of life.​ The study elaborates on the fundamental principles and characteristics of smart cities, highlighting both challenges and potentials from a scientific perspective. Key issues discussed include public acceptance, data protection, human resources, and the readiness of public administration to embrace change. A pivotal finding emphasizes that implementing smart city initiatives necessitates a holistic and participatory approach, involving active collaboration among politics, administration, business, science, and citizens. Notably, digitalization offers rural areas new opportunities to address structural deficits and promote equitable living conditions.​ The article also presents the four-stage implementation plan "Smart Cities and Regions" by the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building, providing municipalities with a practical framework for adopting...

   Keywords Smart city; urban development; urbanization; megatrends​

2. Research Article · Vol. 1, No. 2

   Transformation of the Steel Industry: Strategies for Climate-Neutral Production

   Karl-Heinz Dieser

   doi:10.61030/IJPSC.25.v02pp02 PDF

   Abstract

   The steel industry is a significant contributor to global CO₂ emissions, primarily due to traditional blast furnace processes that rely on coal for iron ore reduction. In Germany, as of 2015, approximately 70% of crude steel was produced using primary methods, with the remaining 30% from secondary production. The conventional blast furnace route accounts for about 28% of the country's total industrial emissions.​ To achieve climate-neutral steel production, alternative methods are being explored. One promising approach is hydrogen-based direct reduction, where green hydrogen replaces coal in the reduction process, enabling nearly CO₂-free steel production. However, this method requires substantial renewable energy resources and the development of a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure. Other strategies include increasing the recycling of steel scrap in electric arc furnaces and investigating innovative processes like the electrolytic reduction of iron ore.​ The transformation towards climate-neutral steel production necessitates technological innovation, significant investments, and supportive regulatory and economic frameworks. A combination of hydrogen-based direct reduction, enhanced steel scrap recycling, and the development of new emission-free processes presents a viable strategy for achieving climate neutrality. Long-term political measures, research...

   Keywords Green steel; decarbonization; steel production; climate-neutral production; transformation​

Research areas

• Innovation 2
• Psychology 2
• Strategic Communication 2
• Organizational Change 1

Article keywords Smart city; urban development; urbanization; megatrends​; Green steel; decarbonization; steel production; climate-neutral production; transformation​

See these articles in the Topic Atlas →

Affiliations

As stated in the articles at the time of publication; not necessarily the current position.