The Impact of Smart Cities On Sustainability: A Bibliometric Analysis

Objectives: This study examines the relationship between smart cities and sustainability through bibliometric analysis, focusing on literature from 2010 to 2023 in the Web of Science database. Theoretical Framework: Smart cities leverage information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The analysis evaluates key terms, influential authors, and geographical trends to uncover how smart cities address sustainability goals. Method: In this study, the bibliometric analysis method was used to examine the impacts of smart cities on sustainability. Bibliometric analysis is a method for quantitatively analyzing scientific literature in a specific field, aiming to identify trends, keywords, authors, citation relationships, and geographical distributions within the literature. Results and Discussion: The findings highlight positive impacts in areas such as energy efficiency, carbon emission reduction, and improved urban mobility systems. However, the study also identifies significant challenges, including barriers to social sustainability, concerns over data security, and high implementation costs, which hinder the broader adoption of smart city projects. By emphasizing the role of ICT in tackling global sustainability issues, the study provides a novel framework for understanding the benefits and limitations of smart cities. It uniquely identifies gaps in the integration of social sustainability and the challenges faced in developing countries, suggesting areas for further exploration. Research Implications: This comprehensive analysis offers fresh insights into how smart cities contribute to global sustainability goals while urging future research to address identified challenges and opportunities for improvement. Originality/Value: This study provides a unique bibliometric analysis of smart cities and sustainability, examining key trends, authors, and geographical patterns from 2010 to 2023. It highlights the critical role of ICT in achieving global sustainability goals while addressing underexplored challenges like social sustainability gaps and barriers in developing countries. By identifying both the benefits and limitations of smart city initiatives, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners, paving the way for more inclusive and sustainable urban development.