Working in and for the city with smartness: first partial results from the European project IrSmart

The COVID pandemic has forced workers and cities to make substantial, and perhaps lasting, modifications in behaviour and policy. The European project IrSmart (Industrial Relations for Smart Workers in Smart Cities) has involved several universities to engage in the study of the impacts on industrial relations, workers' rights and well-being. Some home working has been a forced activity while some of it has been a choice by workers and firms. Cities have been affected by reduced foot traffic for retail, culture, entertainment and office space occupancy. Positive impacts include reduced automobile traffic and pollution, and the possibility of a revitalization of the downtown resident population. Some have experienced a decline in their workability and liveability, while others have responded positively and aggressively. Smart cities see this situation as an opportunity to restructure and refocus their economic activity so as to enhance their attractiveness as places for work and for living.