Identifying Criteria and Indicators for Smart Cities with an Emphasis on Sustainable Urban Development

Tahmasbnia, Zahra; Dehghanmongabadi, Abolfazl

doi:10.22034/ijumes.2026.2057471.1308

Identifying Criteria and Indicators for Smart Cities with an Emphasis on Sustainable Urban Development

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Zahra Tahmasbnia

Abolfazl Dehghanmongabadi

Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architectural Engineering and Urbanism, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran

10.22034/ijumes.2026.2057471.1308

Abstract

Given the increasing growth of urbanization and the challenges it poses, the use of modern information and communication technologies (ICT) has been considered a solution to improve efficiency, quality of life, and sustainability in cities. The research method used in this article is a systematic review of scientific sources and previous studies in the field of smart cities and sustainable urban development. Through the examination of various articles, reports, and studies, indicators and criteria related to these two domains have been identified and categorized. Additionally, searches were conducted in the Elsevier and Sage databases. Articles were selected based on their alignment with the research and a time frame of 2011-2025. Following the PRISMA 2020 statement for critical evaluation of articles, interpretation, analysis, and reporting of findings were conducted descriptively. The findings of this study indicate that smart cities can play a significant role in sustainable urban development. The indicators of sustainable urban development are categorized into three dimensions: economic, social and cultural, and environmental, and the role of ICT in each of these dimensions has been examined. In conclusion, this article finds that smart cities have significant potential to contribute to achieving sustainable urban development goals. However, to realize this potential, it is necessary to adopt a comprehensive and integrated approach to the development of smart cities, which includes attention to economic, social, and environmental dimensions, citizen participation, and collaboration between various public and private sectors.

Graphical Abstract

Identifying Criteria and Indicators for Smart Cities with an Emphasis on Sustainable Urban Development

Highlights

Sustainable urban development: Smart cities using modern technologies can help improve efficiency, quality of life, and sustainability in large cities.

Sustainability components: Sustainable urban development includes three dimensions economic, social and cultural, and environmental where progress can be made in each dimension using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

The role of technology: Advanced technologies in smart cities help reduce pollution, improve energy efficiency, and create new economic opportunities.

Collaboration and participation: To achieve sustainability in smart cities, collaboration between public and private sectors and citizen participation are essential.

Keywords

PRISMA

smart cities

sustainable urban development

urban sustainability indicators

urbanization

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