Multidimensional sorting framework of cities regarding the concept of sustainable and smart cities with an application to Brazilian capitals

Abstract

The concept of a smart and sustainable city refers to a city that uses information and communication technologies (ICTs) and other means to improve the quality of life and urban services in order to meet the current and future needs. The main objective of this research is to propose a multidimensional assessment of cities from the aspects of a smart and sustainable city, through a sorting multicriteria analysis. Therefore, the model developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) was adapted and the FITradeoff method was used because it requires only partial information. The applicability of the proposal was illustrated by an application to Brazilian capitals. The results show that there is weakness on the part of the Brazilian capitals in relation to their access to and development of technology, innovation, local attractiveness and economic issues. Moreover, the capitals of the Northeast region of Brazil have lower performance compared to the cities of the South, Southeast and Midwest regions. Finally, this study can serve as a support tool in the decision process for managers, city planners and private sector entities seeking development strategies in relation to the theme, as well as helping to mitigate the gap found in the literature.