Technology’s dual role in smart cities and social equality: A systematic literature

Background: Smart city initiatives globally are transforming how urban environments are designed and experienced, through technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), enhancing urban efficiency and sustainability. However, these technological advancements may also exacerbate social inequalities if not inclusively managed. Aim: This study examines the contrasting role of technology in smart city development and social equality, focusing on South Africa’s progress and global comparisons to inform future research and policymaking. The review covers literature from 2018 to 2023, analysing digitisation’s impact on inequality in smart cities. Methods: A systematic search in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus identified 10,783 articles using search strings related to ‘smart city development’ and ‘social inequality’. After applying inclusion criteria, 37 studies were selected for analysis. Results: While smart city initiatives enhance urban efficiency and economic growth, they risk deepening social inequalities. The study highlights the digital divide as a significant challenge, particularly in post-apartheid South Africa, where access to technology remains unequal. Conclusion: The findings underscore a complex relationship between smart city development and social inequality, revealing that while digitisation enhances urban efficiency, it often widens existing disparities if not inclusively managed. This analysis shows that successful smart city initiatives must incorporate robust community engagement and adapt global innovations to accommodate local context. Contribution: This study highlights the dual impact of smart cities on social equity and provides a framework for addressing inequality through digital strategies, with important implications for policymakers and researchers, specifically as it pertains to the South African context.