Micro-island platforms and land optimization in Bangkok

Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

10-2026

Abstract

In recent decades, innovation districts have emerged as experimental urban forms that concentrate stakeholders, institutions, and infrastructure within spatially designated micro zones to promote innovation and economic growth. Building on recent conceptualizations of territory as a platform (Woods et al., 2024), this paper examines how such districts function as micro-island platforms: bounded yet permeable territories that facilitate experimentation while remaining embedded within wider urban systems. We analyze the case of Samyan Smart City in central Bangkok, where administration by Chulalongkorn University provides a degree of autonomy that enables rapid experimentation and coordination among stakeholders. We trace two mobility service platforms – Viabus and Muvmi – which were test-bedded within the district before city-wide expansion. We argue that, like digital platforms, these island territories create value by leveraging strong network effects for investment, coordination, and co-location, generating not only economic gains but also narratives that position property-led development as serving broader public benefit. Samyan’s case demonstrates how this governance model, combined with the spatial boundedness of innovation districts, supports the testing of smart solutions and highlights the path-dependent nature of successful smart city implementation.

Keywords

Smart city, Territory as platform, Micro-island platforms, Bangkok, Platformization

Discipline

Asian Studies | Geography | Urban Studies and Planning

Research Areas

Integrative Research Areas

Publication

Territory, Politics, Governance

First Page

1

Last Page

17

ISSN

2162-2671

Identifier

10.1080/21622671.2026.2734541

Publisher

Taylor and Francis Group

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1080/21622671.2026.2734541

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