Governance quality systems and operations of sustainable smart cities

Purpose The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the governance quality systems and operational sustainability in the top 20 smart cities from 2021 to 2025. Design/methodology/approach The study employed feasible generalised least squares (FGLS) and a one-step system of generalised method of moments (GMM) regression to address the heterogeneity and endogeneity in the panel data. Findings The main findings revealed a significant positive relationship between the sustainability of governance, measured by government effectiveness, and smart cities rating, infrastructure and technology. Meanwhile, there is a significant positive relationship between the sustainability of governance, as measured by the rule of law and the smart cities rating, particularly in terms of infrastructure. Finally, a significant positive relationship was found between the sustainability of governance, measured by regulatory quality and the smart cities rating. Originality/value The article contributes by improving governance pillars, which leads to promoting more development-smart cities. This could encourage stakeholder participation and embed sustainability into the core of smart city strategies, enabling urban areas to navigate the challenges of the 21st century and emerge as resilient, inclusive and sustainable communities. This study adds new dimensions to the interdisciplinary models of how governance can be utilised in the use of technologies to achieve sustainability objectives for smart cities.