SUSTAINABLE AND SMART CITIES: CONVERGENCES, CHALLENGES AND GAPS IN GLOBAL SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev7n8-041Keywords:
Sustainable Cities, Smart Cities, Urban Governance, Sustainability, Urban Indicators, Systematic Literature ReviewAbstract
This article presents a systematic literature review on sustainable and smart cities, aiming to identify the main challenges and thematic approaches discussed in scientific publications from 2017 to 2025. A total of 31 articles indexed in the Web of Science database were analyzed using thematic and bibliometric techniques. The findings reveal a growing convergence between the paradigms of urban sustainability and technological innovation, while also exposing significant barriers to implementation, particularly in Global South contexts. Key obstacles include the fragmentation of indicators, institutional misalignment, governance limitations, and the prevalence of exclusionary technocentric approaches. The study highlights the need for integrated strategies that combine citizen participation, social equity, and ethical use of technology. It provides both theoretical and practical insights for researchers, policymakers, and urban managers seeking to foster fairer, more resilient, and sustainable cities.
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