Smart City Concept Research Articles

Divulging the Smart City Concept in the Perspective of Community

Objective—This paper aims to investigate the relationship between smart city elements and performance from the community's perspective in Petaling Jaya City. Methodology—This paper adopted PLS-SEM techniques, and 128 respondents were collected through questionnaire surveys. PLS-SEM is required to determine the reliability and validity of the model in terms of measurement and structural model. Findings – The results found that our model is reliable and valid regarding measurement and structural model. Our R-square values achieve satisfactory results, where two of the three dependent variables acquire a moderate benchmark. The hypotheses results show that only a few of the Smart City Elements significantly affect Smart City Performance. Novelty – Novelty in this research is identified when we can refer to the understanding of the needs of the Smart City model from the community’s perspective. The Smart City concept created by the government undoubtedly sustains the city towards a better and more progressive life. In this study, we have evaluated the value of the Smart City concept from the community. Type of Paper: Empirical JEL Classification: R11, R58 Keywords: Smart City; Elements; Performances; Perspective; Community; Petaling Jaya. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Azmi, N.A; Rozman, R.T.A.T. (2024). Divulging the Smart City Concept in the Perspective of Community, J. Bus. Econ. Review, 8(4), 25–37. https://doi.org/10.35609/jber.2024.8.4(3)

Smart Cities Indicators: How Regional Context and Its Stakeholders Are Essential to Name “The” Smart City

ABSTRACT Despite various definitions of Smart Cities (SCs), it is challenging to characterize what “the best” Smart City would be. This is demonstrated by various frameworks of indicators and rankings, which present different cities as the smartest. This article aims to contribute to the understanding of concepts of SCs, focusing on 21 indicator frameworks, which were studied through text analysis and text mining techniques. The indicator frameworks were researched as units of analysis through an inductive interpretive approach. Frameworks of different regions (Europe, Asia, North and Latin America) were analyzed, and their results indicate that these frameworks are not immune to contextual factors affecting cities. They present categories and indicators that are, on the one hand, very similar, indicating an isomorphic trend, and, on the other, very different from each other due to the contextual influence of the environment and the stakeholders involved. The unprecedented contribution of this article is to show, using statistical analysis, that naming “the” SC would be an ineffectual task.

Technology, Transparency, and Accountability: The Case of Smart Auditing in Makassar

Electronic-Based Auditing (Smart Auditing) is the development of an internal monitoring model by the Regional Inspectorate of Makassar City to improve accountability and performance in managing activities and finances in all Regional Apparatus Organizations within the Makassar City Government. This program is an implementation of the Smart City Concept by the Makassar City Government which requires regional officials to apply technology and information to streamline the implementation of their main tasks and functions thereby increasing accountability and transparency as well as efforts to prevent various irregularities (fraud) that may occur in the process of implementing Organizational activities . The aim of this research is to describe and find out the results of the evaluation of the implementation of electronic-based programs (Smart Auditing) at the Makassar City Inspectorate.This research uses qualitative research methods through case studies. Data collection taken with observation, interview, and documentation of directly involved informants in implementation of that activities. The process of data analysis includes data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. This research uses theory from the E-Auditing concept to see the level of success of electronic auditing with indicators of (1)the success of the target, (2)satisfaction to the program and (3)levels input and output. The results of the research conducted show that the implementation of the electronic-based inspection program or known as Smart Auditing at the Makassar City Inspectorate has been carried out well and has succeeded in achieving its objectives. However, there is still a need to improve facilities and infrastructure to support the achievement of goals, increase understanding in the field of Technology and Information for implementers and commitment and discipline from Regional Apparatus Organizations in the future.

The role of sport in the Smart City concept

Sport brings to cities innovative solutions that influence urban life, yet the considerations about sport is still rarely contributed to the development of very popular smart cities strategies. This raises the question: what is the perception of sport in the city from the perspective of the smart city concept? One of the challenges of future urban policy is to provide initiatives that ensure the well-being and promote the model of a healthy city, especially during the era of the Covid 19 pandemic. Therefore, sport creates an opportunity to combat these challenges. The study provides an in-depth literature review on sport factors influencing smart city domains through a systematic review process. Exploring this topic creates a paradigm for future studies on the discourse on smart cities and sport impact on evolution of cities of tomorrow. In particular, it indicate potential areas of interest from the point of view of local authorities and policymakers, who are able to incorporate governance through sport agendas.

The importance of urbanization in the process of shaping the “ubiquitous city” on the example of Songdo International Business District, South Korea

Both the smart city and U-city concepts were created as a response to the challenges related to the increasing level of urbanization and the further development of the latest technologies. These so-called smart cities are designed to use information and communication technologies (ICTs) to improve operational efficiency, make information available to the public, provide better government services and increase the overall level of well-being of citizens. In this article the author will analyze the development of the “smart city” concept, and then present her conclusions and observations based on the example of the South Korean city of Songdo, which is currently one of the most progressive business centers of the ubiquitous city type. Subsequently she will answer two main research questions: 1. What distinguishes a ubiquitous city from a standard smart city project? 2. What are the obstacles, challenges, and incentives for further development in the implementation of the above concept in South Korea? Two main research methods will be used in the article – a comparative method, helpful in identifying visible links between similar phenomena and entities, and a content analysis method, based on a literature review on the topics covered in the work, including issues related to the city of Songdo.

Energy Management System of Luminosity Controlled Smart City Using IoT

INTRODUCTION: With the escalating rates of urbanization, there is a pressing need for enhanced urban services. The concept of smart cities, leveraging digital technologies, offers a promising solution to elevate urban living. The integration of Internet-of-Things (IoT) in urban infrastructure, particularly on highways, opens avenues for novel services and cross-domain applications through Information and Communication Technologies. However, the efficient functioning of an IoT-enabled smart city necessitates careful energy resource management.
 OBJECTIVES: Propose a Highway Lighting System (HWLS) integrating IoT technologies to enhance urban services, focusing on significant energy savings and real-time environmental parameter monitoring.
 METHODS: To achieve the objective of enhancing urban services through the proposed Highway Lighting System (HWLS), the system was designed and implemented by integrating cutting-edge sensors, communication links, and the Blynk IoT app. The deployment involved incorporating IoT technologies for real-time monitoring of air quality, air moisture, and soil moisture, alongside a fault identification system using GSM and GPS modules.
 RESULTS: The proposed HWLS demonstrates significant energy savings, consuming only 37.6% of the original power consumption. The incorporation of IoT technologies facilitates real-time monitoring of environmental parameters, enabling informed decision-making for urban service optimization. The fault-finding system, utilizing GSM and GPS modules, enhances the reliability of the lighting system.
 CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the Highway Lighting System (HWLS) represents a novel approach to smart city infrastructure, particularly in the context of urban lighting. The integration of IoT technologies not only contributes to energy savings but also enhances the overall efficiency of urban services. The proposed system's ability to monitor environmental parameters and identify faults demonstrates its potential for sustainable urban development and improved quality of life.

Study of Smart Cities Based on Human Capital (Case of Russian Research-Driven Towns as Proto-Smart Cities)

Existent philosophical literature has been largely focusing on the ethical aspects and controversies of developing and using smart technologies such as AI and big data, whereas human capital and infrastructural environment as pre-existing factors have been covered by AI Ethics in a lesser extent. Most of the current research focuses on technical infrastructural aspects in the implementation of complex «smart projects», while insufficient attention is paid to the role of social capital. In order to widen the focus and to include human capital and infrastructural developments coming along with the increasing role of AI, the paper takes a novel look at philosophical underpinnings of smart cities and discusses the concept of the Russian Naukograd (literally from Russian – City of Science, or Researchers’ city, meaning a city which is developing as a community of scientists and academics) as a historical approach for smart city concept implementation. The authors apply theoretical methods of cognition (analysis, synthesis) as well as the case study approach to the Russian (Soviet) experience in forming research-driven cities in order to highlight the value of high scientific, industrial and educational capital («smart nation») as a fundamental factor for the stable long-term development of modern cities. The findings suggest that some concepts of the Russian Naukograd for example the focus on research and education are valuable and that investment in social capital (i. e., people) should stand on the same footing as investment in technology developing a smart city. In this approach the prefix «smart» may stand for «smart citizens/nations» as a pivotal framework at the initial stages of smart cities development.

CYBERSECURITY CHALLENGES IN SMART CITIES: A CASE REVIEW OF AFRICAN METROPOLISES

The rapid urbanization and digital transformation of cities across Africa have given rise to the concept of Smart Cities, where advanced technologies are integrated to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and the overall quality of urban life. However, this paradigm shift towards interconnected and technology-driven urban environments brings forth a host of cybersecurity challenges that demand careful consideration. This paper explores the cybersecurity challenges in Smart Cities, focusing on a case review of African metropolises. African cities, emblematic of the global urbanization trend, are embracing Smart City initiatives to address urban challenges and foster economic development. While these initiatives promise improved services and enhanced connectivity, they concurrently expose cities to a myriad of cybersecurity threats. The interconnectedness of devices and systems in Smart Cities creates a vast attack surface, making them susceptible to cyber-attacks ranging from data breaches to infrastructure disruptions. This case review delves into specific instances of cybersecurity challenges faced by African metropolises in their quest for technological advancement. It analyzes the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, such as energy grids, transportation systems, and healthcare networks, highlighting the potential risks associated with inadequate cybersecurity measures. Moreover, the paper sheds light on the socio-economic implications of cyber threats in Smart Cities, emphasizing the importance of resilient cybersecurity frameworks in safeguarding citizen data and urban functionality. In conclusion, the paper underscores the urgent need for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies tailored to the unique challenges faced by Smart Cities in Africa. The findings aim to contribute to a better understanding of the intricate relationship between urbanization, technology, and cybersecurity, offering insights that can inform policy decisions, technological implementations, and collaborative efforts to build secure and resilient Smart Cities in the African context.
 Keywords: Cybersecurity, Smart Cities, Africa, Metropolis, Review.

Transforming Indonesian Law: Paving the Way for Smart City Development

In the current digital revolution, the Internet of Things (IoT) plays a pivotal role as a vast network connecting every aspect of daily life. Within this context, the concept of Smart City emerges, where the potential of IoT is harnessed to integrate with urban environmental aspects, creating an intelligent and harmonious ecosystem. However, a notable drawback in this significant innovation is the absence of comprehensive positive laws capable of encompassing all aspects of Smart City in Indonesia. The objective of this research is to delve deeper into the specific legal framework requirements, exploring whether existing legal regulations adequately cover the components of Smart City formation or if there is a need for the establishment of new laws specifically addressing Smart City aspects. This normative research employs a comparative approach, examining several countries that have successfully implemented the Smart City concept. Secondary data and qualitative analysis are utilized in this study. The findings reveal that Indonesia faces challenges due to the absence of a national legal framework specifically addressing Smart City issues. There is a need for specific and precise regulations regarding Smart City to serve as a benchmark for its development across Indonesia and enhance the country's reputation.

How smart and sustainable are the cities in Turkiye? - National policies and the enthusiasm level of the local governments

In the past decade, the importance of the smart city applications has gained popularity by the city governments to use their resources in an efficient and effective way, present better services and quality of life for their residents, make their cities more competitive, provide better disaster management. As the world has experienced crisis such as energy and grain in the recent past due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war between Russia and Ukraine, the management of the resources has become more important for the countries and local governments, as well. In this study national government plans of Turkiye, such as Eleventh Development Plan and 2020–2023 National Strategy and Action Plan for Smart Cities, have been addressed as reference documents and the actions of some city governments, including the most populous city, Istanbul and the capital, Ankara, have been examined with the purpose of determining the level of smart city willingness. This study peruses the degree of enthusiasm of the local governments to become smart and maintain sustainable city services considering the main smart city characteristics. Based on the information gathered concerning the selected cities, it has been observed that the cities having populations quite lower than the great metropolitans such as Istanbul and Ankara are more enthusiastic and successful to provide services for their citizens that can be associated with the smart city concept.

Exploring the Potential of Architectural Semiotic in Realizing the Smart City Concept

Smart City is an urban development paradigm that integrates information and communication technology to improve the quality of life of residents, efficient resource management and environmental sustainability. Architectural semiotic, as the embodiment of visual language in architecture, has an important role in creating a smart and sustainable environment. This research aims to explore the potential of architectural semiotic in realizing the Smart City concept. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. The results of this research reveal that the potential of architectural semiotic in the Smart City concept can be optimized through steps such as literature study and concept analysis, use of modern technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, community participation, and development of design guidelines. By engaging architects, data scientists, engineers, and the public, and creating practical guidance, this research details how architectural semiotic can be effectively integrated in smart city development. It is hoped that these results will make a significant contribution in creating a smart, efficient, aesthetic and sustainable urban environment in accordance with Smart City principles.

Effectiveness the Use of Electronic Parking as the Implementation of Smart City in Semarang

In order to advance Semarang City, the Semarang City Government consistently strives to realize branding with the concept of a smart city. The most visible effort to implement smart cities is through electronic parking. The implementation of the smart city concept using electronic parking in Semarang City, one of which is located in the MT Haryono Street corridor. The purpose of this study is to find out the effective level of electronic parking as the application of smart city in Semarang City studied in the ERG theory of basic needs by Clayton Alderfer. The method used is a qualitative descriptive research approach through the need for the use of electronic parking, while data collection techniques through field observation, interviews, and documentation on location objects located in the MT Haryono Street Semarang City. The result of this study is that electronic parking in the MT Haryono corridor is not effective and is not the main factor in basic needs for Semarang residents. Semarang residents do not know much about the existence and feel the benefits of electronic parking. The government needs to socialize with residents about the existence and use of electronic parking.

Solar power integration in Urban areas: A review of design innovations and efficiency enhancements

The increasing global emphasis on sustainable energy solutions has fueled a growing interest in integrating solar power systems into urban landscapes. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the current state of solar power integration in urban areas, with a focus on design innovations and efficiency enhancements. Urban environments pose unique challenges for solar power implementation, such as limited space, shading, and aesthetic considerations. This review explores a range of design innovations aimed at overcoming these challenges, including the integration of solar panels into building facades, windows, and urban infrastructure. The examination of these advancements provides insights into maximizing energy capture while seamlessly blending solar technologies into the urban fabric. Efficiency enhancements play a pivotal role in the viability of solar power integration. The paper analyzes emerging technologies and methodologies that boost the efficiency of solar energy systems in urban contexts. This includes advancements in photovoltaic cell technologies, energy storage solutions, and intelligent grid integration. The exploration of these efficiency-enhancing strategies sheds light on the potential for increased energy yield and grid reliability in urban solar installations. Moreover, the paper discusses the role of smart city concepts in optimizing solar power integration. The integration of data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and artificial intelligence is explored as a means to enhance the monitoring, control, and maintenance of urban solar infrastructure. In conclusion, this review provides a nuanced examination of the evolving landscape of solar power integration in urban areas. By exploring design innovations and efficiency enhancements, the paper contributes valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to promote sustainable energy solutions in the urban environment.

Public Transport Infrastructure with Electromobility Elements at the Smart City Level to Support Sustainability

When implementing smart city elements, there are challenges in cities that need to be overcome. An analysis of global public transport infrastructure has indicated an upward trend in the integration of electric mobility solutions since 2022. The following research question characterises the problem on which the research was focused. RQ: What role do the smart city strategy and its overall planning play in promoting city sustainability via elements of electromobility in public transport? Cities are increasingly committed to promoting more sustainable urban mobility. This article discusses three areas of study: electromobility in public transport, the smart city concept, and sustainability. The novelty of this article has three parts, namely the intersection of the described areas; comparison and summarisation of best practice; and in-depth analysis of the selected city. The methodological approach includes the analysis of case studies, analysis of the selected city, sociological interviews, synthesis, and modelling. One of the main findings reveals that electromobility impacts the city’s sustainability. It was also revealed that not all cities have already prepared their strategies focusing on this issue, which is unfavourable because careful planning supports the achieving sustainability in public transport. The findings were included in the design of solutions in the field of public transport infrastructure with elements of electromobility at the smart city level. Additionally, requirements for cities and recommendations for policy makers in selected areas were identified.

Disparity Refinement for Stereo Matching of High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images Based on GIS Data

With the emergence of the Smart City concept, the rapid advancement of urban three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction becomes imperative. While current developments in the field of 3D reconstruction have enabled the generation of 3D products such as Digital Surface Models (DSM), challenges persist in accurately reconstructing shadows, handling occlusions, and addressing low-texture areas in very-high-resolution remote sensing images. These challenges often lead to difficulties in calculating satisfactory disparity maps using existing stereo matching methods, thereby reducing the accuracy of 3D reconstruction. This issue is particularly pronounced in urban scenes, which contain numerous super high-rise and densely distributed buildings, resulting in large disparity values and occluded regions in stereo image pairs, and further leading to a large number of mismatched points in the obtained disparity map. In response to these challenges, this paper proposes a method to refine the disparity in urban scenes based on open-source GIS data. First, we register the GIS data with the epipolar-rectified images since there always exists unignorable geolocation errors between them. Specifically, buildings with different heights present different offsets in GIS data registering; thus, we perform multi-modal matching for each building and merge them into the final building mask. Subsequently, a two-layer optimization process is applied to the initial disparity map based on the building mask, encompassing both global and local optimization. Finally, we perform a post-correction on the building facades to obtain the final refined disparity map that can be employed for high-precision 3D reconstruction. Experimental results on SuperView-1, GaoFen-7, and GeoEye satellite images show that the proposed method has the ability to correct the occluded and mismatched areas in the initial disparity map generated by both hand-crafted and deep-learning stereo matching methods. The DSM generated by the refined disparity reduces the average height error from 2.2 m to 1.6 m, which demonstrates superior performance compared with other disparity refinement methods. Furthermore, the proposed method is able to improve the integrity of the target structure and present steeper building facades and complete roofs, which are conducive to subsequent 3D model generation.

IoT Sensor Data Retrieval and Analysis in Cloud Environments for Enhanced Power Management

The Internet of Things (IoT) brings new products to everyone to improve daily life. Concurrently other emerging technologies, including Big Data, Cloud Services, and surveillance, can participate through these technological advances. This research work explores the synergies among four systems to identify their shared functionalities and integrate them to create useful potential applications. Despite the limitations of the smart city concept, researchers would seek innovative methods to collect and process sensor information within an IoT-enabled smart building. A cornerstone of the proposed system is the utilization of cloud services as the foundational technology for a schema management platform. This platform efficiently gathers data generated by sensors within smart industrial units. Leveraging the capabilities of IoT technology, the data can be remotely managed and accessed using mobile devices with network connectivity. The proposed work addresses the challenges related with the smart city perception and supports for revolutionary approaches in the collection and manipulation of IoT Sensor data. By doing so, it imagines the creation of green, smart schemes that contribute to sustainable urban development.

Smart Cities: AI and IoT Integration for Urban Sustainability

The rapid growth of cities is putting immense pressure on resources and infrastructure. In response, the concept of smart cities has emerged, aiming to leverage technology to improve the efficiency and sustainability of urban environments. Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are two key technologies playing a critical role in the development of smart cities. This paper explores the integration of AI and IoT for urban sustainability. It discusses the various applications of AI and IoT in different aspects of urban life, such as transportation, energy, waste management, and public safety. The paper also highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating AI and IoT in smart cities.

Assessing quality of life in German, French, Italian and Polish smart cities: Identifying the need for further development

The concept of smart cities has gained significant attention in recent years, as urban areas worldwide seek to leverage technology and innovation to enhance their residents' quality of life. It is agreed that one of the core objectives of the smart cities is the optimisation of quality of life and resident satisfaction. This research endeavours to explore the relationship between smart city rankings and quality of life in four European countries: Germany, France, Italy, and Poland. In doing so, we encountered a multitude of complexities and nuances. While the concept of smart cities holds great promise for urban development and enhancing residents' well-being, the current methodologies for comparing smart cities and assessing quality of life require refinement and standardization. Addressing these challenges will not only advance our understanding of the impact of smart city initiatives but also pave the way for more effective urban planning and policy decisions to improve the overall quality of life in urban areas.

Aplikasi IT Support Work Orders Berbasis Web Dalam Rangka Menuju Sidoarjo Smart City

One important aspect in supporting the smart city concept is adequate information technology infrastructure. The Sidoarjo district government has made many innovations in making this happen, one of which is the construction of an intranet and internet network using fiber optics which is centered in the Data Center and managed by the Sidoarjo District Communication and Information Center. As a work unit in the field of ICT infrastructure and security at the Sidoarjo Regency Diskominfo, it is responsible for serving reports from the OPD (Regional Apparatus Organization) regarding intranet and internet network problems in the Sidoarjo regency environment. However, the reporting system used is still very simple and manual. The aim of this research is to design and build a web-based system that functions as a complaint, documenting work, and reporting handling related to intranet and internet network problems at the OPD in Sidoarjo Regency. In collecting data, this research used qualitative methods. Meanwhile, system development uses the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) method with waterfall model, and uses Unified Modeling Language (UML) and Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) as system modeling. This application was built using PHP with the CodeIgniter framework and MySQL. The results of this research show that the system makes it easier for related parties to make complaints, document work, and report handling.

Sustainable Connectivity—Integration of Mobile Roaming, WiFi4EU and Smart City Concept in the European Union

This article takes a comprehensive look at the integration of mobile roaming, WiFi4EU and the smart city concept within the European Union in the context of sustainability. These initiatives form key elements of the digital development and transformation of European cities. Starting with a brief look at the functioning of the European Union’s internal market, the article briefly analyzes the objectives of these projects, highlighting their interplay and benefits for citizens. It focuses on the development of smart cities and the importance of digital connectivity in the process of building smart cities. It discusses the WiFi4EU initiative, which provides funding for free public WiFi networks and promotes digital inclusion. It also looks at the core pillars of smart cities, including digital connectivity, efficient transport, environmental protection, innovation and citizen participation. The article discusses the challenges associated with this integration, such as ensuring interoperability of different technological solutions and data privacy. It also highlights the importance of cooperation between city authorities, local communities and European institutions to achieve successful digital urban development. The research emphasizes the economic sustainability implications of these integrated technologies, considering the potential for innovation, job creation and economic growth within the digital and tech sectors. The main method used in the writing process was the analysis method, which was complemented by the comparison and synthesis methods. The final discussion assesses the benefits and challenges that this integration brings for the development of cities and the improvement of the quality of life of citizens. By critically examining the convergence of mobile roaming, WiFi4EU and smart cities in the European Union, this study aims to provide insights into the transformative potential of sustainable connectivity. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions on urban development strategies, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that addresses both technological advancements and the imperative of sustainable practices for the benefit of current and future generations.