An investigation into the elusive concept of smart cities: a systematic review and meta-synthesis

Despite almost two decades of research, authors have disagreed about the concept of smart cities. In this article, we provide a systematic review and a meta-synthesis analysis of smart cities. We find a convergence in the literature on the following primary characteristics of smart cities: (a) advanced ICT Technology, (b) sustainability, (c) innovative and high-skilled society, (d) high-tech governance and citizen participation, and (e) knowledge-based economy. Based on these findings, we suggest a new notion: A smart city engenders an innovative and qualified society, oriented towards the development of the knowledge economy, which makes advanced ICT technologies aimed at promoting sustainability and participatory urban governance. Our study robustly offers an understanding of smart cities and presents a creative perception encompassing these five principal characteristics worthy of further investigation.

Automated summary

Despite two decades of research, there is still disagreement on the concept of smart cities. This article provides a systematic review and meta-synthesis analysis, identifying primary characteristics including advanced ICT technology, sustainability, innovative society, high-tech governance, and knowledge-based economy. The study introduces a new notion of smart cities as fostering an innovative and qualified society focused on knowledge economy development, utilizing advanced ICT technologies for sustainability and participatory urban governance.