Civics is the study of the rights and obligations of citizens in society. The term derives from the Latinword civicus, meaning "relating to a citizen". The term relates to behavior affecting other citizens, particularly in the context of urban development.

Civic education is the study of the theoretical, political and practical aspects of citizenship, as well as its rights and duties. It includes the study of civil law and civil codes, and the study of government with attention to the role of citizens―as opposed to external factors―in the operation and oversight of government.^[3]

The term can also refer to a corona civica, a garland of oak leaves worn about the head like a crown, a practice in ancient Rome wherein someone who saved another Roman citizen from death in war was rewarded with a corona civica and the right to wear it. 

ICT – Information Communication Technology is the foundation on which Smart Governance is based. This form of Technology enhances the level of collaboration between government departments and provides a means to deliver services efficiently and sustainably. ICT has given rise to an information-based atmosphere that can be exploited by Smart Governance to communicate and collaborate with both businesses and citizens.

Social media interactions and analysis – So long as cities are using social media to talk less and listen more, it can be used as a tool on which Smart Governance can flourish, says Stephen Goldsmith. We’ve seen a trend in government organisations developing their social media presence and strategy online. Still, more significant strides need to be made to help facilitate Smart Governance.

• The structure of the Internet governance ecosystem should ensure the meaningful and accountable participation of all stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical community, the academic community, and users.
• Global IoT governance ecosystem models should be open, participative, transparent, and consensus-driven.
• Internet governance should be carried out through a distributed, decentralised, and multi-stakeholder ecosystem.