SMART URBAN GOVERNANCE: A COLLABORATIVE FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE CITIES

The governance of smart cities is essential for addressing complex urban challenges, advancing sustainability, and improving citizens' quality of life. This study explores governance models for smart cities through a hybrid Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)–Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) framework. Expert evaluations were employed to prioritize and rank governance alternatives. The results show Smart Urban Collaboration as the most effective governance framework, owing to its capacity to foster inclusivity and sustainability. The analysis underlines the critical role of social inclusion in urban governance, emphasizing the importance of involving diverse stakeholders in decision-making processes. These participatory approaches are crucial in building citizens' trust and collaboratively developing innovative solutions to urban challenges. Next in priority is sustainability, drawing attention to the need for such urban governance frameworks to tackle environmental issues like climate change and resource scarcity. Smart cities can move towards sustainable development goals through strategic utilization of technology in stakeholders’ involvement. This work offers practical recommendations and insights for policymakers, urban planners, and academics to create an urban environment that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.