Smart City Assessment in Developing Economies: A Scoping Review

Abstract

There are limited research articles that focus on smart city assessment (SCA) applications as it is a relatively new field of research and practice. However, numerous studies have been conducted and published to date, particularly in developing countries, with the broad objective of building theoretical frameworks that are centered on smart city assessments. This study aimed to systematically examine the available literature on SCA, particularly in the context of developing economies, and provide valuable insights for the various stakeholders involved in smart city projects. The specific objectives of the study were to synthesize the existing literature on smart city assessment in developing economies, analyze the frameworks employed for smart city assessment, and identify critical gaps in these frameworks while providing recommendations for future research. The methodology employed involved a scoping review procedure, and the data that were collected and analyzed were specific to developing economies. The findings revealed that SCA often incorporates other research methods, such as mixed and quantitative analyses, and embraces a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses various subject areas. While social science emerged as a prominent subject area, sustainability, renewable energy, and industrial development also play crucial roles in smart city assessments. This study highlighted that ISO 37122:2019 is the most widely adopted framework due to its structured methodology, ability to measure progress over time, and potential for benchmarking against other cities. However, it is important to consider that each framework has its own strengths and weaknesses, and cities may opt to utilize multiple frameworks or tailor them to their specific needs. Our paper concludes by emphasizing the significance of this research in providing comprehensive insights into smart city assessment in developing economies and the need for further studies to address the identified gaps and enhance future assessments.