Achieving net-zero emissions through smart technologies: evidence, insights, and future research directions

Adopting net zero is a crucial challenge of concern to the entire world, particularly the developing nations, which also suffer societal constraints and infrastructural limitations that complicate the entire process. Smart technologies (STs) have been identified to be able to provide alternatives that can make a difference by enhancing energy efficiency, reducing the emission of greenhouse gasses and enabling sustainable practices. The paper has investigated how different STs including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), smart grids (SGs) and renewable energy systems (RES) can enable zero-energy policies in developing nations. This bibliometric paper reviews the literature available regarding the usage and efficacy of these technologies, their effectiveness in emission reduction, and the issue surrounding its implementation like its cost, infrastructure and governance. The co-citation analysis as well as the analysis of bibliometric correlation have facilitated our ability to make some conclusions with regard to the thematic structure of financial research in the years 2020–25. The study identified two high-level groups that follow somewhat closely in the two forms of analysis by revealing five (co-citation) and ten (bibliometric coupling) specific clusters utilising the function of STs in realizing net-zero policies (NZPs) in developing countries. The results indicate that despite the considerable potential of STs, the degree to which they can enable the net-zero transitions is going to be subject to unique approaches that are influenced by local contexts, including developing countries. This paper concludes with some policy recommendations and strategic insights on using STs for sustainable development, demanding for stakeholder action in applying innovative solutions for carbon-neutral futures.