Yerevan’s transformation into a smart city: innovating infrastructure and driving sustainable urban development

Objectives: The research explores how Yerevan is developing into a smart city, emphasising strategies for dealing with challenges including aging infrastructure, budgetary limitations, and equal access while encouraging sustainable urban growth. Prior Work: In line with research that has examined at sustainable urban development in emerging countries, this paper builds on the frameworks of smart city development, namely those related to geographic information systems (GIS), digital public services, and energy-efficient infrastructure. Additionally, it makes use of earlier studies on digital governance models and public-private partnerships that facilitate citizen involvement. As primary resources, the Yerevan Municipality's strategic documents that directly address the city's transition to a smart city have also been used in this research. Approach: Using a case study methodology, the study examines Yerevan's current projects, including GPS-enabled public transportation systems, energy-efficient street lighting, and e-governance platforms, and assesses how well strategic planning techniques, public-private partnerships, and community involvement can help the city overcome its financial and infrastructure obstacles. Results: Although Yerevan has made great progress towards becoming a smart city, challenges including antiquated infrastructure, a lack of funding, and digital inequality still exist. Initiatives in sustainable infrastructure and digital governance, however, show encouraging promise for enhancing waste management, public safety, energy efficiency, and intelligent traffic control. Implications: Researchers interested in sustainable urban development, politicians, and urban planners will find this research useful. In towns with ageing infrastructure and little funding, the study offers insights on how to overcome obstacles to smart city development. Value: The article provides a thorough case study of Yerevan, which adds to the larger conversation on smart cities. By highlighting the need of strategic alliances and public involvement in overcoming urban obstacles, it offers a distinctive viewpoint on the possibilities for sustainable development in cities undergoing transition.