Small Cities, Information Technology and Covid-19 Pandemic

Throughout the history, the speed of disease outbreak has played an important role in reducing the independence and sustainability of cities around the world. Challenges arising from this important factor have affected the level of authority and sovereignty of cities and by becoming a global crisis, it has been able to have special effects on the strength and resilience of cities, especially the small ones. This research uses a documentary-survey method to analyze the use of scientific and technological tools and methods in empowerment and comprehensive development of small cities in the world and specifically, in Iran. A field study has been done in small cities (e.g., Amlash, Noor, Imamzadeh Abdullah and Jajarm) and the successful experiences of other small towns in developed countries have been reviewed. In addition to interviewing experts from the municipalities of these cities, 15 people (60 samples in total) were interviewed to obtain real information about the quality and socio-economic conditions of these cities, as a reflection of how they are managed. The participants were selected through snowball sampling. In this study, the findings showed that due to various constraints, if small towns wanted to be resilient to crises such as the outbreak of  COVID-19, they would have to build on priorities, e.g., increased bandwidth, virtual training and increased Internet access, and enhance their indigenous social networking activities, self-reliance, collaboration, and capabilities. The results showed that due to various limitations, if small towns want to be resilient and resistant to crises such as the COVID-19 disease, they must increase their self-reliance, assistance and indigenous capabilities through social networks. This important outcome can be achieved through the formulation and implementation of policies that enhance networking and inter-urban interactions (especially between the small cities and medium and large cities).