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Smart Cities: Definitions, Dimensions, Performance, and Initiatives

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Abstract

The concept of smart city is getting more and more relevant for both academics and policy makers. Despite this, there is still confusion about what a smart city is, as several similar terms are often used interchangeably. This paper aims at clarifying the meaning of the word “smart” in the context of cities through an approach based on an in-depth literature review of relevant studies as well as official documents of international institutions. It also identifies the main dimensions and elements characterizing a smart city. The different metrics of urban smartness are reviewed to show the need for a shared definition of what constitutes a smart city, which are its features, and how it performs in comparison to traditional cities. Furthermore, performance measures and initiatives in a few smart cities are identified.

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... From smart grids and renewable energy sources to intelligent transportation systems and smart water management, ICT is seen as a tool for enhancing the sustainability of cities by improving energy efficiency, reducing pollution, and promoting more sustainable lifestyles (Kitchin, 2014b(Kitchin, , 2014a. By collecting and analyzing data from various sensors, connected devices, and digital systems, smart cities can improve decision-making processes, reduce resource consumption, and make urban life more convenient and equitable for their residents (Albino et al., 2015). ...
... Economic sustainability in smart cities is closely linked to the efficient use of resources and the creation of resilient economic systems (Schaffers et al., 2011). The integration of digital technologies, such as IoT and AI, enables cities to optimize their infrastructure and public services, thereby reducing operational costs while improving service delivery (Albino et al., 2015). Economic benefits also arise from the creation of green jobs related to the installation and maintenance of smart technologies, such as renewable energy systems and smart grid infrastructure, thus contributing to economic growth while ensuring environmental protection (Rudewicz, 2023;Toli & Murtagh, 2020). ...
... Specifically, they should investigate the ways in which smart technologies can be used to advance social justice, reduce inequality, and empower disadvantaged communities. Additionally, scholars must examine how smart cities can achieve environmental sustainability not just through technological innovation, but through strategies that preserve the natural environment while promoting long-term economic resilience (Albino et al., 2015). In sum, this study highlights the importance of addressing both the positive and negative impacts of smart cities on sustainability and offers a framework for future research that integrates these diverse dimensions. ...
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Objectives: This study examines the relationship between smart cities and sustainability through bibliometric analysis, focusing on literature from 2010 to 2023 in the Web of Science database. Theoretical Framework: Smart cities leverage information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The analysis evaluates key terms, influential authors, and geographical trends to uncover how smart cities address sustainability goals. Method: In this study, the bibliometric analysis method was used to examine the impacts of smart cities on sustainability. Bibliometric analysis is a method for quantitatively analyzing scientific literature in a specific field, aiming to identify trends, keywords, authors, citation relationships, and geographical distributions within the literature. Results and Discussion: The findings highlight positive impacts in areas such as energy efficiency, carbon emission reduction, and improved urban mobility systems. However, the study also identifies significant challenges, including barriers to social sustainability, concerns over data security, and high implementation costs, which hinder the broader adoption of smart city projects. By emphasizing the role of ICT in tackling global sustainability issues, the study provides a novel framework for understanding the benefits and limitations of smart cities. It uniquely identifies gaps in the integration of social sustainability and the challenges faced in developing countries, suggesting areas for further exploration. Research Implications: This comprehensive analysis offers fresh insights into how smart cities contribute to global sustainability goals while urging future research to address identified challenges and opportunities for improvement. Originality/Value: This study provides a unique bibliometric analysis of smart cities and sustainability, examining key trends, authors, and geographical patterns from 2010 to 2023. It highlights the critical role of ICT in achieving global sustainability goals while addressing underexplored challenges like social sustainability gaps and barriers in developing countries. By identifying both the benefits and limitations of smart city initiatives, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners, paving the way for more inclusive and sustainable urban development.
... The literature indicates a dearth of studies on evaluating the impact of smart city initiatives on the resilience of cities, smart city initiatives and changes required to enhance urban resilience, or the success factors and obstacles to the implementation of smart city projects [27][28][29][30]. There is more to smart city solutions and plans than technology and innovation, as appropriate policies and governance systems are essential in managing and coordinating various actors and strategies involved in smart city development to enhance urban resilience. ...
... On the other hand, a smart city connotes a city that uses information and communication technology (ICT), including big data and AI, to improve the efficiency of services in the city while using resources sustainably and efficiently as well as improving its interactions with the citizens [30]. Key characteristics of smart cities include the following: technology integration: ubiquitous integration of ICT in urban structures and facilities [39]; data-driven decision-making: incorporating big data technologies to support and guide the planning and development of urban environments [40]; connectivity: the wireless means of communication facilitate the effective and efficient transfer of information in real time [41]; sustainability: concentration on the usage of environmental protection activities and resource conservation [42]; a citizen-centric approach, which includes the focus on the quality of life and active participation of citizens in the management of the city [43]. ...
... In the 70 reviewed literature, smart cities are seen to use ICT to enhance urban management and service delivery. This is critical in tackling current urban issues such as climate change through the management of limited resources and population increase [30]. A contextual analysis of these papers implies that although the promising roles of smart technologies to support urban resilience are clear, the success of these measures depends more on such national and local conditions as economics, government, and people's participation [98]. ...
Article
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Smart city planning is crucial for enhancing urban resilience, especially with the contemporary challenges of rising urban population and climate change. This study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) to examine the integration of urban resilience in smart city planning, synthesizing the current literature to identify key components, barriers, and enablers. The study found that technological integration, sustainability measures, and citizens’ participation are critical factors to the effective development of smart cities. The review emphasizes the need for an integrated approach to urban resilience, calling for continued research and collaboration among stakeholders. It highlights how urban sustainability and resilience should be addressed within an urban system and that interdisciplinary work, stakeholder consultation, and public engagement are required. It finally suggests the integration of creativity and diversity in urban planning practices and policies for improving vulnerability to modern-day challenges in urban contexts. It concludes by outlining implications for urban planning practices and policy development, advocating for innovative, inclusive strategies to enhance urban resilience.
... Uma cidade inteligente, por exemplo, pode ser considerada um centro de ensino superior que promove uma vida criativa, explorando o potencial humano. O desenvolvimento urbano sustentável só pode ser alcançado de forma inteligente, hábil, criativa, conectada e em rede (Albino;Berardi;Dangelico, 2015). ...
... Uma cidade inteligente, por exemplo, pode ser considerada um centro de ensino superior que promove uma vida criativa, explorando o potencial humano. O desenvolvimento urbano sustentável só pode ser alcançado de forma inteligente, hábil, criativa, conectada e em rede (Albino;Berardi;Dangelico, 2015). ...
... Uma cidade inteligente, por exemplo, pode ser considerada um centro de ensino superior que promove uma vida criativa, explorando o potencial humano. O desenvolvimento urbano sustentável só pode ser alcançado de forma inteligente, hábil, criativa, conectada e em rede (Albino;Berardi;Dangelico, 2015). ...
... The conceptual approach, as highlighted by Caragliu et al. (2011), Albino et al. (2015), Neirotti et al. (2014, and Angelidou (2014), emphasizes the core components of the smart city, such as infrastructure and technologies, and the dimensions that define the smart city. It also focuses on the application domains and the impacts of the smart city on various aspects of urban life. ...
... Focuses on the key components of the smart city (e.g., infrastructure, technologies) -Concentrates on the dimensions that characterize the smart city; -Focuses on the fields of application and the impact of the smart city on various aspects of urban lifeCaragliu et al., (2011),(Albino et al., 2015),(Neirotti et al., 2014), Deploy information and communication technologies (ICT) to improve the management of urban resources and services.-Approach oriented and focused on technologies. ...
Conference Paper
The term 'smart city' encapsulates a spectrum of interpretations and methodologies, which have evolved significantly over the past decades. This article provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the definitional landscape of smart cities, examining academic contributions from 1998 to 2023. Through this review, we categorized the prevailing definitional approaches into three distinct but interconnected frameworks: conceptual, practical/technical, and holistic. The conceptual approach dissects the smart city into its fundamental components, such as infrastructure and technologies. In contrast, the practical and technical approach gauges the concrete impact of these technologies on urban management and the holistic approach advocates for a fusion of technological, human, and physical infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on inclusive stakeholder participation. Our findings illustrate the diversity and depth of smart city definitions, underlining the lack of a singular, universal definition and the influence of regional and disciplinary perspectives. Limitations of this review include language bias towards English publications and the exclusion of non-journal literature. Future research directions include an expanded methodological scope that encompasses social media analytics to capture a wider array of public perceptions and sentiments. This article seeks to inform and guide ongoing scholarly discourse and practical applications in the urban planning sector, emphasizing the necessity of a robust, multidimensional approach to smart city conceptualization.
... Examples are provided to show how big data analytics is revolutionizing the efficiency of cities. For example, Barcelona has implemented IoT sensors and data analytics to optimize waste management, which leads to a decrease in operational expenses and an increase in sustainable development (Albino et al., 2015). Likewise, the smart city projects in Amsterdam apply data to manage energy usage to great effect, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by half while improving the well-being of the city's population (Cao, Wang, & Liu, 2020). ...
... An example of the use of big data and IoT to address the problems of a Smart City is the project in Barcelona (Wang, 2023). Smart sensors have been installed in the city to help detect water consumption, waste disposal, and air quality to help the city plan for the right interventions and efficient use of resources (Albino et al., 2015). Through the use of data analytics in urban planning in Barcelona, energy consumption has been cut down, the effects on the environment have been limited, and citizen engagement has been improved by the use of data services and applications. ...
... O advento de sistemas avançados, como o City Information Modeling (CIM), marca a evolução na forma como as cidades são planejadas, construídas e geridas em bases tecnológicas (Sacks et al., 2018;Gil, 2020a;Pereira;Procopiuck, 2022b). Essas tecnologias têm contribuído para o aprimoramento da tomada de decisão e da prestação de serviços urbanos, além de facilitarem a interação entre cidadãos, governo e setor privado, criando uma nova dinâmica no ecossistema urbano (Albino;Berardi;Dangelico, 2015;Margherita et al., 2023). Contemporaneamente, criam-se possibilidades para a gestão e o planejamento urbano, que agora têm à sua disposição uma abundância sem precedentes de dados e de ferramental técnico para promover a análise desses dados (Batty, 2019;Duarte;DeSouza, 2020). ...
... O advento de sistemas avançados, como o City Information Modeling (CIM), marca a evolução na forma como as cidades são planejadas, construídas e geridas em bases tecnológicas (Sacks et al., 2018;Gil, 2020a;Pereira;Procopiuck, 2022b). Essas tecnologias têm contribuído para o aprimoramento da tomada de decisão e da prestação de serviços urbanos, além de facilitarem a interação entre cidadãos, governo e setor privado, criando uma nova dinâmica no ecossistema urbano (Albino;Berardi;Dangelico, 2015;Margherita et al., 2023). Contemporaneamente, criam-se possibilidades para a gestão e o planejamento urbano, que agora têm à sua disposição uma abundância sem precedentes de dados e de ferramental técnico para promover a análise desses dados (Batty, 2019;Duarte;DeSouza, 2020). ...
Article
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Este estudo explora a influência da gestão do conhecimento e da capacitação técnica na capacidade organizacional para o alinhamento tecnológico, particularmente no contexto inovador de Curitiba. Visando preencher lacunas no entendimento de como esses fatores interagem em ecossistemas tecnológicos, utilizaram-se Modelos Lineares Mistos para analisar respostas de 128 profissionais, enfocando suas experiências com as tecnologias BIM e GIS. A metodologia envolveu uma análise estatística abrangente, garantindo a replicabilidade do estudo. Os resultados apontam uma correlação positiva significativa entre a capacidade de gestão do conhecimento e capacitação técnica (CGCCT) e a capacidade organizacional para alinhamento tecnológico em ecossistemas de inovação (COATEI), demonstrando que cada incremento em CGCCT corresponde a uma melhoria em COATEI. O estudo também revela que a experiência com as tecnologias BIM e GIS e a intensidade de uso modulam significativamente essa capacidade. Conclui-se que a gestão do conhecimento e a capacitação técnica desempenham um papel crítico no fomento de estratégias eficazes de integração tecnológica. Contudo, a especificidade do contexto de Curitiba sugere cautela na generalização dos achados, evidenciando a necessidade de pesquisas futuras em diversos ecossistemas tecnológicos.
... Due to consumption of 70% of world's resources, cities are known to be the major contributors and consumers of greenhouse gases and energy resources respectively (Bibri & Krogstie, 2017b). Cities operate through the intake of goods and the generation of waste, resulting in detrimental impacts on both society and the economy; evidently, cities rely heavily on external resources and will likely continue to do so (Albino et al., 2015). The promotion of sustainability has been approached by placing emphasis on the significance of natural resources. ...
... In addition, another significant aspect of the intelligent city is its focus on sustainability. A smart city is characterized by urban policies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of cities while promoting economic and social development (Albino et al., 2015;Yigitcanlar & Kamruzzaman, 2018). Accomplishing these targets can be fulfilled by utilizing various technological tools such as the Internet of Things (IoT) can be effectively utilized to reduce waste (Anagnostopoulos et al., 2015), utilizing renewable sources of energy to lower carbon dioxide emissions (Calvillo et al., 2016), and implement smart mobility solutions to decrease pollution and offer high-quality transportation services to citizens (Benevolo et al., 2016).The relationship between smart cities and tourism is based on their joint effort to protect the environment and establish resilient and eco-friendly cities; the efforts of both smart cities and tourism play a crucial role in achieving the goal of creating a green and sustainable future (Dameri et al., 2020).Various researchers have focused on the concept of sustainability while defining smart cities (Bakıcı et al., 2012;Barrionuevo et al., 2012;Caragliu et al., 2011;Gartner, 2011;Kourtit et al., 2012, IDA, 2012Lazaroiu and Roscia, 2012;Thuzar, 2011). ...
Article
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This paper examines the intricate dynamics that shape the relationship between sustainable tourism and the development of smart sustainable cities, while also analysing generational disparities. The study employs a multidimensional perspective, where sustainable tourism is defined by five dimensions-economic, social, cultural, environmental, and technological-and smart sustainable cities are characterized across four dimensions-planning, environmental, social, and smart. To comprehensively assess the impact of sustainable tourism on smart sustainable cities, as perceived by residents, a combination of primary and secondary data is utilized. The primary data was collected through self-administered questionnaires which were distributed among 394 residents in Kashmir, capturing the perspectives of residents from Generations Y and Z. To test the hypotheses, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is employed utilizing the SPSS AMOS software. The results indicate a significant relationship between the implementation of sustainable tourism practices and the development of sustainable smart cities.
... Scholars have proposed transforming cities and communities into 'smart cities' as a means to operationalize and advance SDGs 4,5 . Despite debatable interpretations of the smart city concept, its essence revolves around employing information and communication technologies (ICTs) to address urban challenges, increase efficiency and improve the quality of life of residents 6 . ...
... Local governments play a major role in the adoption, or lack thereof, of the smart city concept. Although smart city initiatives have been implemented globally, existing studies largely focus on high-profile urban areas 6 . Even in countries that are considered leaders in smart technology, such as the United States 7 , we still lack a thorough understanding of where and in what form these initiatives are taking place. ...
... New technological and economic forces associated with digital innovation are giving rise to new organisational formats based on platforms and digital ecosystems, creating new opportunities (Gawer 2022). Smart practices, using the IoT, bring numerous benefits by boosting activities and services-for example, the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) that connect people, make spaces sustainable and green, and contribute to improving people's quality of life (Albino et al. 2015;Bakıcı et al. 2013). ...
Article
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Industry 4.0 (I4.0) practices have expanded into agricultural settings, giving rise to Agriculture 4.0 (A4.0) as a promising domain for smart greenhouses. However, few studies have examined how I4.0 and A4.0 align in this context. This study addresses that gap by investigating similarities and differences between I4.0 and A4.0 in a smart greenhouse through a case study at SLC in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Data from interviews, observations, and online sources were analysed using content analysis. Findings indicate that the greenhouse integrates three subsystems—mechanical, electronic, and communication—enabling sensors to monitor environmental parameters and automated actuators to adjust conditions. While no major technological barriers emerged, production time and available cultivation areas constrain scalability. Nevertheless, adopting advanced technologies in smart greenhouses supports food security, sustainability, and urban resilience by reducing manual intervention, optimising resource use, and enhancing overall efficiency.
... Albino et al. [16] discussed the concept of smart cities by describing them as "large organic systems", emphasizing that the integrated nature of systems and the interconnections among a city's core components define what makes a city "smart". A smarter city incorporates information into its physical infrastructure to enhance convenience, improve mobility, boost efficiency, conserve energy, improve air and water quality, identify and quickly resolve problems, recover rapidly from disasters, gather data for better decision-making, deploy resources effectively, and share data to foster collaboration across various sectors. ...
Article
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Rapid urbanization in Saudi Arabia, fueled by economic growth and population expansion, has created substantial challenges for urban planning, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. In response, smart cities have emerged as a transformative solution, integrating technological innovation with sustainable urban development. While the concept of smart cities has gained global traction, its practical application in Saudi Arabia remains in its early stages. This study investigates the potential of smart cities to tackle Saudi Arabia’s urban challenges, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines a theoretical analysis of global smart city frameworks with applied research, including field observations and policy analysis of Saudi initiatives. It explores the dynamic relationship between technology, governance, and sustainability, providing a comparative perspective that benchmarks Saudi efforts against international best practices. A central contribution of the study is the development of a multi-dimensional framework designed to advance sustainable smart cities in Saudi Arabia. This framework highlights key pillars such as data-driven governance, environmental resilience, social inclusivity, and economic innovation. By contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable urban development, this research positions Saudi Arabia as a potential regional leader in smart city implementation. Ultimately, the study highlights the transformative potential of smart cities to address global urbanization challenges, fostering resilient, equitable, and sustainable urban environments for future generations.
... In recent years, a growing demand for alternative energy sources has been observed. Moreover, smart cities [1,2] and sustainable cities [3] are being promoted worldwide, according to the Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development of 1987 [4] entitled "Our common future: Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". Scientists globally are inspired by the idea of joint transport, communication, power, and water infrastructure that will be monitored by combined systems of sensors, hardware, and software. ...
Article
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In recent years, a growing demand for alternative energy sources, including solar energy, has been observed. This article presents a methodology for assessing the solar potential of buildings using images from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and point clouds from airborne LIDAR. The proposed method includes the following stages: DSM generation, extraction of building footprints, determination of roof parameters, map solar energy generation, removing of the areas that are not suitable for the installation solar systems, calculation of power per each building, conversion of solar irradiance into energy, and mapping the potential for solar power generation. This paper describes also the Detecting Photovoltaic Panels algorithm with the use of deep learning techniques. The proposed algorithm enabled assessing the efficiency of photovoltaic panels and comparing the results of maps of the solar potential of buildings, as well as identifying the areas that require optimization. The results of the analysis, which had been conducted in the test areas in the village and on the campus of the university, confirmed the usefulness of the above proposed methods. The analysis provides that the UAV image data enable generation of solar potential maps with higher accuracy (MAE = 8.5 MWh) than LIDAR data (MAE = 10.5 MWh).
... However, the article also points out that before applying blockchain technology to the IoT, it is necessary to fully consider issues such as transaction privacy and the value of digital assets. In the field of smart cities, the team of Albino, V. [30] elaborated on the meaning of "smart city" through a literature review and proposed performance evaluation methods and implementation measures. Neirotti, P. [31] conducted an analysis of smart city practices across various fields and studied the factors influencing smart city planning. ...
Article
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Intelligent safety and security is significant for preventing risks, ensuring information security and promoting sustainable social development, making it an indispensable part of modern society. Current research primarily focuses on the knowledge base and research hotspots in the field of intelligent safety and security. However, a comprehensive mapping of its overall knowledge structure remains lacking. A total of 1400 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (2013–2023) are analyzed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace, through which co-occurrence analysis, keyword burst detection, and co-citation analysis are conducted. Through this approach, this analysis systematically uncovers the core themes, evolutionary trajectories, and emerging trends in intelligent safety and security research. Unlike previous bibliometric studies, this study is the first to integrate multiple visualization techniques to construct a holistic framework of the intelligent safety and security knowledge system. Additionally, it offers an in-depth analysis of key topics such as IoT security, intelligent transportation systems, smart cities, and smart grids, providing quantitative insights to guide future research directions. The results show that the most significant number of publications are from China; the top position on the list of papers published by related institutions is occupied by King Saud University from Saudi Arabia. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Sustainable Cities and Society, and IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems are identified as the leading publications in this field. The decentralization of blockchain technology, the security and challenges of the Internet of Things (IoT), and research on intelligent cities and smart homes have formed the knowledge base for innovative security research. The four key directions of intelligent safety and security research mainly comprise IoT security, intelligent transportation systems, traffic safety and its far-reaching impact, and the utilization of smart grids and renewable energy. Research on IoT technology, security, and limitations is at the forefront of interest in this area.
... On the other hand, a "smart city" utilizes digital technologies and data to improve urban services and infrastructure. This includes various applications, from traffic management to energy distribution, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents while promoting sustainability [28]. Smart cities integrate various ICT (Information and Communication Technology) tools to optimize urban mobility, making transportation systems more efficient and responsive to real-time conditions. ...
Article
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This article presents a bibliometric analysis of urban transportation research, focusing on trends in urban mobility from 2018 to 2023. By analyzing 2000 articles from 617 journals in the Scopus database, this study identifies key themes, such as sustainable transportation, smart mobility, and technology integration into transit systems. Emerging terms, such as public health, walkability, Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO), and Network Simulator 3 (ns-3) highlight the growing intersection of transportation with environmental and societal factors. China has emerged as a leader in urban transportation research, excelling in publication volume and international collaboration. Notable figures and journals, such as Liu Y. and “Sustainability (Switzerland),” emphasize the field’s interdisciplinary nature. The use of tools like the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), simulation, and a Geographic Information System (GIS) underscores a comprehensive approach to sustainable urban mobility planning, helping planners make data-driven decisions. These findings add vital insights into worldwide urban transportation research and provide recommendations for future studies aimed at improving sustainable transportation policies and practices.
... Government refers to the formal institutions and actors responsible for exercising authority and control within a defined jurisdiction (e.g., a country, state, or municipality). Governance, conversely, encompasses a broader spectrum of interactions and collaborations among diverse key stakeholders involved in decision-making processes, including but not limited to government actors (Alonso and Lippez-De Castro 2016;Albino et al. 2015). Thus, governance transcends the traditional confines of formal government structures, acknowledging the influence of non-state actors such as civil society organisations, businesses, and citizens in shaping public policy and service delivery. ...
Article
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A citizen-centric approach is essential to foster the use of e-democracy and e-government tools for smart governance, as the adoption of these services remains insufficiently developed. Current research in this area predominantly relies on technology acceptance models, which often fail to account for the heterogeneity among different groups of citizens. To address this limitation, this study applies a hybrid approach to identify the key determinants that influence the usage of e-democracy and e-government tools. A survey was conducted on a sample of Croatian citizens, capturing diverse aspects of e-democracy and e-government tool usage, including levels and motivations for their adoption. In the first phase, cluster analysis was applied to identify distinct citizen groups based on their motivation levels. In the second phase, multiple regression analysis was conducted, with the intensity of usage and perceived limitations serving as dependent variables. Demographic characteristics, information literacy, obstacles to adoption, and motivational clusters were used as independent variables. The results indicate that demographic characteristics have a stronger influence on perceived limitations, while motivational clusters and information literacy play a greater role in driving usage intensity. These findings suggest that tailored interventions should be developed for different demographic groups to reduce perceived barriers and enhance usage levels. This study indicates how a hybrid approach can uncover hidden patterns and generate actionable insights for policymakers and government agencies, ultimately improving the design, implementation, and effectiveness of e-democracy and e-government tools.
... Place, however, has a fluid definition, and concepts such as place attachment and identity draw on theoretical concepts beyond geography to address emotional, psychological, and cultural aspects of the human experience (Lewicka 2008;Nelson, Ahn, and Corley 2020;Curry 2002). Further, technology adoption in urban environments has an extensive legacy, e.g., from the 1939 New York World's Fair (Halegoua 2020a) to the rise of interest in smart cities (Albino, Berardi, and Dangelico 2015). This literature makes us consider the transformative influence of software on society, space, and time (Kitchin and Dodge 2011), and the emergence of hybrid digital/physical spaces, especially highlighted by the advent of social media and the fusion of the virtual and the physical (Gordon 2007;Hardey 2007). ...
Article
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This paper reviews the literature conceptualizing digital placemaking as an information practice, examining the intersection of digital technologies and information practices in reshaping interactions within urban environments. We address the complex interplay between technology, information, and urban living to advance the field’s theoretical and practical understanding of rapidly evolving digital landscapes. By highlighting the role of information research in smart city development, we argue for human-centered, inclusive, and sustainable approaches, ensuring that technological advancements align with the needs and aspirations of urban communities.
... A key characteristic of a smart city lies in its ability to harness the power of digitalization, connectivity, and information technologies to efficiently manage urban activities, tackle urban challenges, and optimize city services and living conditions [10,11]. By integrating advanced technologies with data-driven solutions, smart cities aim to enhance the overall efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life for their residents [12,13]. Noteworthy contributors regard smart cities as complex systems, involving the interplay among people, institutions, organizations, technology, and physical built environments, highlighting their inherently holistic nature [14][15][16][17][18]. ...
Article
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The rapid evolution of smart city technologies has expanded digital twin (DT) applications from industrial to urban contexts. However, current urban digital twins (UDTs) remain predominantly focused on the physical aspects of urban environments (“spaces”), often overlooking the interwoven social dimensions that shape the concept of “place”. This limitation restricts their ability to fully represent the complex interplay between physical and social systems in urban settings. To address this gap, this paper introduces the concept of the social digital twin (SDT), which integrates social dimensions into UDTs to bridge the divide between technological systems and the lived urban experience. Drawing on an extensive literature review, the study defines key components for transitioning from UDTs to SDTs, including conceptualization and modeling of human interactions (geo-individuals and geo-socials), social applications, participatory governance, and community engagement. Additionally, it identifies essential technologies and analytical tools for implementing SDTs, outlines research gaps and practical challenges, and proposes a framework for integrating social dynamics within UDTs. This framework emphasizes the importance of active community participation through a governance model and offers a comprehensive methodology to support researchers, technology developers, and policymakers in advancing SDT research and practical applications.
... Ongoing research is centred on various facets of a sustainable environment, including renewable and eco-friendly energy, energy efficiency, monitoring of the environment, air quality, and water quality. They offer a significant consolidation of the pertinent literature on smart cities through the analysis and discussion of the main discoveries from existing research on the role of smart cities in establishing sustainable cities and communities (Albino et al., 2015;Kumar Mohan, 2021), show off several aspects of smart cities, concentrating on the effectiveness and difficulties of implementing sustainable smart cities They provide findings from previous research on the role that digital technologies have in air quality, energy efficiency, and public transportation system monitoring (De Jong et al., 2015), Examine the discrepancy that exists between smart city theory and the real-world obstacles to attaining full sustainability. While intelligent technologies might contribute to environmental sustainability, they contend that an overreliance on technology may cause citizens and the natural world to become estranged. ...
... It is not my intention to list and classify the various definitions and to explore the connections between the various related concepts. Such lists can be found, for example, in Albino et al. (2015) or Ruhlandt (2018). The former work presents 23 definitions, the latter 19, selected from a large number of available options. ...
... This transformation enables collaboration across various entities and domains. In this smart transformation of cities, mobility is a central domain and represents one of the six key pillars in Smart City development, alongside Governance, Living, People, Economy, and Environment (Albino et al., 2015;Vanolo, 2014). Specifically, Vanolo (2014, p. 887) defines smart mobility as a dimension referring to local and supra-local accessibility, availability of ICTs, and modern, sustainable, and safe transport. ...
... However, Yousefimehr [46] intends to provide an adaptable framework for researchers and practitioners working in a variety of city contexts to adopt and use numerous ideas and guidelines gleaned from the research in the development of smart activities and initiatives. The study explains that smart systems may capture and integrate data through meters, appliances, sensors, and gadgets, and that the data can then be aggregated and evaluated for usage in computer platforms and communication networks [46,47]. ...
... Oftentimes, in the context of cities, 'smartness' is pursued with the utilization of information and communication technologies (Albino et al., 2015). Technologies are indeed a key enabler of smart cities and without technology, it is hard to achieve smartness, but smart cities involve much more than technologies. ...
Conference Paper
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Cities are complex, dynamic environments, requiring huge numbers of services and systems to facilitate and better the lives of the citizens within them. Keeping up with the demands of modern life has led to the creation of Smart City Digital Twins (SCDT), which are complete and bidirectional Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) acting as observation and control mechanisms. Current SCDTs are typically bespoke implementations, catering to the city's unique needs and footprint. Generative AI will enable the generation of broader possible visions of the city, but the current data created by SCDTs is insufficient to train generative AI. This is a common problem for AI, and synthetic data is utilised to augment the training set. This paper proposes a novel concept for the creation of synthetic data; the use of the Meta, Character, Spatial Artificial Intelligence (MCS-AI) Model to emulate and therefore build the vast amounts of synthetic data required for a City Generative AI.
... The architecture of smart cities consists of [22]: users, services, infrastructure, and data. The components of a smart city and the aspects of urban life with which they are connected are [23]: smart economy (economy, industry), smart people (education), smart governance (edemocracy), smart mobility (logistics and infrastructure), smart environment (efficiency and sustainability), smart living (safety and quality). ...
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Growing economic, sociopolitical, and environmental challenges encourage or force cities, their administrations, companies, and population to review existing and rethink new ways of functioning of urban environments, lifestyles, business models and processes, supply and reverse logistics systems, etc. Efforts to overcome such challenges and improve the quality of life in the city gave rise to the concept of smart cities, which implies the application of various innovative solutions, concepts, and technologies in urban areas. Given that logistics represents one of the most important functions of cities, a smart city also implies smart city logistics, and smart city logistics is the implementation of logistics flows and operations using smart technologies and processes. Improving efficiency, increasing visual attractiveness, reducing the costs and negative environmental impacts caused by logistics processes and activities is achieved by applying technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, autonomous vehicles, etc. In this paper, various possibilities, advantages and challenges of applying the mentioned and other technologies in certain activities, subsystems, and aspects of city logistics are analyzed.
... The rapid pace of urbanisation has led cities to seek innovative solutions to improve urban living while addressing pressing environmental challenges. In response, the concept of "smart cities" has gained prominence as a framework for integrating technology with urban development to improve communication, transport, energy efficiency, infrastructure, and connectivity (Caragliu et al., 2011;Albino et al., 2015;Bibri & Krogstie, 2017). Smart cities refer to urban areas that integrate digital technologies into municipal services to improve sustainability, connectivity, and quality of life (Kumar et al., 2022). ...
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... Furthermore, Lee [6] describes that mobile e-government could provide one-stop service platform that complements the traditional public service delivery channel. Moreover, JAKI can increase the participation of DKI Jakarta residents through its reporting features so that it forms part of e-democracy in urban life, which is an aspect of smart or electronic governance, according to Albino and Dangelico [38]. To better understand the low engagement of JAKI, the Unified Model of E-Government Adoption (UMEGA) proposed by Dwivedi et al. [12] can be used to analyze the acceptance factors of an e-government application. ...
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... Defined as urban areas that leverage digital technology and data-driven insights to manage assets, resources, and services more efficiently, smart cities aim to create environments that are not only livable but also resilient and sustainable Kombo & Meyer, 2016, Kwakye, Ekechukwu & Ogundipe, 2024). The primary objectives of smart cities include improving public services, enhancing transportation systems, reducing environmental impact, and fostering economic development through innovation and technology integration (Albino, Berardi, & Dangelico, 2015). Energy optimization is a critical component of smart city development. ...
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... Municipalities increasingly turn to digital initiatives to streamline operations and improve service delivery. One notable advancement in this area is the implementation of innovative city technologies, which encompass the Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, and artificial intelligence-based decisionmaking systems (Gil-Garcia et al., 2016;Albino et al., 2015). For example, cities like Barcelona and Singapore use IoT sensors for real-time monitoring of traffic flow, waste management, and environmental quality (Bibri & Krogstie, 2017). ...
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... Technology, defined as the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, plays a pivotal role in facilitating innovation (Meijer and Bolívar 2016). As a BO, it provides a common reference for stakeholders-including municipal authorities, businesses, and citizens, to effectively engage in urban initiatives (Albino et al. 2015;Holland 2008). Technological platforms support real-time data sharing and collaborative decision-making, which are essential for addressing complex urban challenges (Nilssen 2019). ...
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Chapter
“Urban” and “peri-urban” neoliberal dynamics are deeply rooted in an anthropocentric-cornucopian faith in technology and the free market and interconnected by digital matrixes. Ageing in the smart city can be isolating. The smart city can be an isolated environment for navigating Ageing. Planners and architects rarely consider the elderly, individuals with limited mobility, and children when creating plans and structures. The paper states that this hampers the aging populations participation in community life, leading to isolation, loneliness, making street-based activities such as walking risky, and promotes unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles and lifestyle-related disorders. The technologies of locomotion (elevators and escalators) that have been installed to address the “risks” of navigation in the urban spaces, however, also exclude and restrict the mobility of the elderly and the infirm. This chapter draws upon ethnographic accounts of the “aging population” residing in Kolkata city and peri-urban areas adjacent to it, as well as Siliguri and its neighboring peri-urban spaces in the state of West Bengal. The purpose of this investigation is to look at the lived encounters of senior citizens within the urban design and its ecosystem and the connected issues of ease of access, navigation, visibility, and inclusivity within the smart urban landscapes.
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This Special Issue of the Journal of the Knowledge Economy focuses on how advanced European cities develop strategies towards becoming “smart cities”, based on the many possible innovative usages of network infrastructures and Internet-based applications, through the engagement of open innovation ecosystems. Part of these strategies is to develop new types of innovation approaches in urban areas, which are characterized, firstly, by a high level of citizen involvement in co-creating Internet-based applications in all sectors of the economy and society; secondly, by the emergence of new forms of collaboration among local governments, research institutes, universities, and companies. Such strategies and the resulting "innovation ecosystems" are becoming increasingly relevant given the growing economic and social issues and opportunities that cities are currently facing. This special issue investigates these smart city strategies through four smart city case studies and two papers addressing horizontal issues. The case studies aim to analyze the currently emerging strategies and policies related to identify how the opportunities of the Future Internet are being used for the socio-economic development of urban areas. The four cases also address how cities are redefining their innovation structures and how they started to experiment citizens involvement within the context of open innovation, and present lessons learned that are of interest to smart city stakeholders.
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