Smart Cities and Urban Sustainability Research

Background

The globe is facing a complex set of challenges including increasing population, pollution, limited natural resources and associated healthcare problems.

Smart and sustainable planning to resolve these challenges will shape a better future for the next generations. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on leveraging technology, innovation, and data-driven approaches to address the complex challenges facing urban environments and promote sustainable development.

Research in this field brings together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to explore innovative solutions for creating livable, resilient, and environmentally friendly cities.

Evaluation of the current literature has shown that multidisciplinary research projects focus on urban mobility and transportation, energy efficiency and renewable energy, green infrastructure and urban resilience, waste management and circular economy, smart buildings and sustainable infrastructure, digital governance and citizen engagement and health and well-being.

Similarly, the number of publications in this field increased in a significant fashion during the last 10 years with a noticeable surge in the 2020s (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Number of publications about smart cities and urban sustainability

Designs and protocols

Designing research projects with impactful outcomes to address the challenges of developing smart and sustainable environments relies on a variety of protocols and technologies to collect, analyze, and interpret data.

This includes internet of things devices such as sensors, actuators, and smart meters which are deployed throughout the cities to collect real-time data on environmental parameters (Figure 2). Blockchain technology is utilized to create secure, transparent, and tamper-proof digital records of transactions and data exchanges that enhance the studies outcomes. Other technologies such as smart grid technologies can be used to integrate renewable energy sources and energy storage systems (Figure 2).

In addition, simulation and augmented reality provide immersive visualization experiences that allow researchers to explore urban environments, conceptualize urban designs, and produce outcomes that participate in virtual urban planning exercises. Moreover, AI and machine learning algorithms are employed to analyze complex datasets, predict future trends, and optimize urban systems (Figure 2).

Selected free full-text articles

• Ivan L, Beu D, van Hoof J. Smart and Age-Friendly Cities in Romania: An Overview of Public Policy and Practice. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jul 18;17(14):5202. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17145202. PMID: 32708488; PMCID: PMC7400252. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32708488/
  
• Paiva S, Ahad MA, Tripathi G, Feroz N, Casalino G. Enabling Technologies for Urban Smart Mobility: Recent Trends, Opportunities and Challenges. Sensors (Basel). 2021 Mar 18;21(6):2143. doi: 10.3390/s21062143. PMID: 33803903; PMCID: PMC8003137. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33803903/
  
• Peponi A, Morgado P. Smart and Regenerative Urban Growth: A Literature Network Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Apr 3;17(7):2463. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17072463. PMID: 32260315; PMCID: PMC7177348. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32260315/
  
• Drangert JO. Urban water and food security in this century and beyond: Resource-smart cities and residents. Ambio. 2021 Mar;50(3):679-692. doi: 10.1007/s13280-020-01373-1. Epub 2020 Oct 1. Erratum in: Ambio. 2021 Jan 16;: PMID: 33001342; PMCID: PMC7882668. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33001342/
  
• Alshuwaikhat HM, Aina YA, Binsaedan L. Analysis of the implementation of urban computing in smart cities: A framework for the transformation of Saudi cities. Heliyon. 2022 Oct 18;8(10):e11138. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11138. PMID: 36303916; PMCID: PMC9593201. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36303916/