Strategic classification of smart city strategies in developing countries

• Smart Criteria: Comprehensive criteria set for evaluating cities as smart cities. • In-depth Analysis: No previous research has examined smart city criteria in such depth as this study. • Unique Method: Introduces a novel method for smart city evaluations. • Novel Approach: Uses the new Interval-Valued Neutrosophic EDAS Method for the first time in smart cities. • Nationwide Study: First large-scale national evaluation of cities as smart cities. Smart cities represent the forefront of combining technological innovation with urban management to enhance the quality of life and sustainability of urban environments. While existing studies have focused on individual smart city evaluations, there is a notable gap in systematic classification approaches that can handle uncertain and incomplete data in developing countries. As urban populations continue to grow, the strategic integration of smart technologies in city planning and management becomes crucial, necessitating more sophisticated evaluation methodologies. These technologies offer promising solutions to urban challenges by improving efficiency, economic growth, and citizen engagement. This research addresses this gap by proposing a novel framework that combines Interval Valued Neutrosophic Sets (IVNS) with the EDAS Method, specifically designed to handle the complexities and uncertainties inherent in developing country contexts. The study extensively reviews existing literature and methodologies applied in similar contexts, identifying key limitations in current approaches and building a robust framework that incorporates both new and established criteria. Through the systematic application of IVNS-EDAS methodology across multiple urban environments, this study develops a comprehensive classification system that accounts for both quantitative metrics and qualitative assessments of smart city capabilities. The results showcase a dynamic classification framework that effectively handles data uncertainty while providing clear, actionable insights for urban planners and policymakers. The paper concludes by validating the effectiveness of the proposed approach through a detailed computational study involving diverse stakeholders, confirming its applicability and utility in refining smart city strategies globally, particularly in developing country contexts where data reliability and completeness may be challenging. The study provides specific policy guidelines for each city classification, offering policymakers a structured framework for resource allocation and strategic planning, ranging from foundational infrastructure development in emerging cities to advanced technology integration in metropolitan areas.