What is it about?
Smart cities use technology and data to improve urban life, but how well do they address sustainability? This study uses bibliometric analysis — a systematic method to map scientific literature — to review the global body of research on smart city and sustainability indicators. We identify the most influential studies, key research themes, and emerging trends, providing a comprehensive map of where the field stands and where it is heading. The results show growing attention to integrating environmental, social, and governance dimensions into smart city frameworks.
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Why is it important?
As cities worldwide race to become 'smart', there is an urgent need to ensure that technological advances translate into genuine sustainability gains. This bibliometric review synthesizes the state of the art in a rapidly evolving field, helping researchers and urban planners identify knowledge gaps, best practices, and promising research directions. It provides a solid evidence base for designing smarter and more sustainable urban futures.
Perspectives
The intersection of smart city technologies and sustainability has become one of the most dynamic areas in urban science. I find it fascinating how the field has evolved from technology-centric approaches toward a broader vision of livable, equitable, and environmentally responsible cities. I hope this review serves as a useful reference for researchers and policymakers navigating this complex landscape.
PhD Edivando Vitor do Couto
Technische Universitat Munchen
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Smart city and sustainability indicators: a bibliometric literature review, Discover Sustainability, July 2024, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1007/s43621-024-00328-w.
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