From Smart Cities to Knowledge Cities: Integrating Urban Data for Sustainable Development

The purpose of this study is to explain the transformation that occurs from 'Smart Cities' to 'Knowledge Cities' when urban data is systematically integrated for sustainable growth. It seeks to assess how the metropolitan data turns into urban knowledge through innovation, governance improvement, and lifequality uplift. The approach taken is a literature review of the last two years (2022-2024) supplemented with a conceptual model on data-driven urban knowledge creation. Results show that the comprehensive integration of data in construction of Knowledge Cities, advanced governance, and active participation of the citizens facilitates the transition toward knowledge cities. The study defines advanced urban governance which includes improved decision-making, urban resilience, and active citizen involvement. It strongly calls for the integration of diverse scientific perspectives along with ethical frameworks as the key direction toward sustainable urbanism.