Sustainable logistics and passenger transport in smart cities

The rapid growth of urban populations, coupled with the imperatives of decarbonization and the relentless march of urbanization, has thrust modern cities into a crucible of multifaceted challenges. In response, the Smart City concept has emerged as a shared paradigm for addressing these urban complexities. This transformative approach touches upon various facets of urban life, encompassing areas such as the economy, education, and governance. Among these, logistics stands out as a pivotal component of the Smart City framework, necessitating innovative and sustainable solutions. This article delves into the intricate nexus between sustainable logistics systems and the evolution of the Smart City concept. Drawing from both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including multivariate analysis, the study synthesizes data from primary sources collected during a series of European projects conducted from 2020 to 2023, in addition to secondary data sources. A central inquiry revolves around the symbiotic relationship between e-commerce dynamics and the sustainability of smart city logistics solutions. The findings of this investigation illuminate a compelling correlation between the profitability of logistics enterprises and the key indicators of logistics development underpinning smart cities. By unveiling these interdependencies, this research contributes to our understanding of how sustainable logistics and passenger transport systems are pivotal to the ongoing development of smart cities, offering valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and industry stakeholders alike.