The Future of Civil Engineering in Smart Cities: A Bibliometric Analysis

The emergence of smart cities, powered by technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things, is transforming civil engineering practices. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 1,852 publications (1999–2024) from the Web of Science to examine the evolving relationship between smart city development and civil engineering. The analysis identifies three developmental phases—conceptual emergence, institutional expansion, and digital convergence and reveals how civil engineering research aligns with global policy shifts, particularly in China and the European Union. Key findings highlight the growing emphasis on system integration, AI-driven infrastructure management, green construction, and equitable urban services. The results suggest that policy frameworks significantly influence civil engineering innovation and technology adoption. To support sustainable and intelligent urban development, future research should prioritize the development of interoperable platforms, improved data governance mechanisms, and infrastructure planning strategies that incorporate environmental and social equity considerations.