Smart city research: A holistic and state-of-the-art literature review

Abstract

This literature review provides a systematic review of smart city research between 2000 and 2019. The aim of the review is to provide a comprehensive picture of the state-of-the-art of research in smart cities by addressing major issues and identifying gaps and areas for future research. The analysis of 191 publications drawn from high-quality journals and the most influential or highly cited smart city literature highlights four major challenges for small city research: (a) smart city research is often fragmented and technology-driven; (b) many studies are on the perceived benefits of smart cities and fewer on the downsides of technologies and failed projects; (c) there is a need to build new theories for smart city research; and (d) there is a lack of empirical testing of the conceptual frameworks developed in smart city research. The research insights of this literature review may encourage practitioners, including city councillors, urban planners, and business managers, to consider smart city strategies in a holistic way when building vibrant, sustainable, and resilient cities of the future.