Do Smart and Sustainable Cities Matter in the Sustainable Development Debate? Integrating the CalmMobility Paradigm into Research and Policy

ABSTRACT Smart and sustainable cities are urban environments consisting of advanced data‐driven and interconnected systems to help optimize urban quality of life and public service delivery. The policy approach to transform modern urban epicenters into smart and sustainable cities rests on Industry 5.0 tools, big data, and Internet of Things to ensure that urban policy reforms resonate with an emerging urban paradigm. However, such an association must be characterized by the seamless integration of urban initiatives and technological infrastructure. Within the contemporary urbanization debate, a significant policy gap remains in understanding how the multifaceted nature of urban reforms interacts with the Sustainable Development Goals. To address this, the current study combines bibliometrics mapping with qualitative analysis to extend policy debate by reporting theoretical, topical, and contextual contributions in scientific research publications. The use of an extended review strategy allows the current study to report that the localization of urban strategies, stakeholder engagement, resolving constitutive policy tensions, identifying pyramid needs of digital citizens, and promoting sustainable urban strategies are key to future urban reforms. The current study further refines research themes to the CalmMobility paradigm and outlines corresponding methodological pathways to improve academic discussion. Our analytical review contributes to improving the collective understanding of the key limitations and influencing factors determining sustainable progress in smart and sustainable cities.