Digital Transformation for Smart and Resilient Cities: Assessing Platform Maturity and ISO 37123 Compliance

Abstract

This paper explores the transformative potential of digital platforms in fostering resilient and intelligent urban environments, a critical need considering rapid urbanization and climate change. Through a comparative analysis of various digital platforms in global cities, this study identifies their role in enhancing operational efficiency, participatory governance, and urban innovation. Utilizing a structured maturity model based on the ISO 37123 standard for resilient communities, this research highlights the specific challenges faced by cities at different stages of digital transformation and provides practical recommendations for implementing digital solutions that integrate resilience, sustainability, and smart governance. The analysis underscores the importance of aligning digital platform development with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering a pathway for cities to enhance resilience, optimize resource use, and promote citizen engagement.

1. Introduction

The digital revolution is profoundly transforming the way cities are designed and managed. Over the last decade, smart cities have emerged as a viable response to 21st-century urban challenges, offering data-driven approaches to improve quality of life, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities in urban areas, placing pressure on cities’ capabilities to manage its effects and intensifying socioeconomic and environmental repercussions, such as increased natural disasters, regional inequalities, and difficulties in accessing essential services [1,2,3]. As highlighted in [4], technology has reached an advanced stage, enabling the implementation of digital solutions to improve the urban experience sustainably. In this context, urban areas must play a prominent role in future socioeconomic and environmental development by adopting transformative technologies like digital platforms, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) [5]. These innovations provide a foundation for digital transformation (DT), addressing challenges across sustainable production’s triple bottom line (TBL): economic, social, and environmental dimensions. For example, studies from Accenture and the World Economic Forum (2020) estimate that digital technologies could reduce global emissions by up to 20% by 2050 in the three highest-emitting sectors: energy, materials, and mobility.

Digital platforms are pivotal in enhancing urban resilience and intelligence [6]. They enable the integration of diverse urban systems, fostering participatory governance and data-driven decision making, critical elements in building resilient and smart cities. These platforms have proven their utility in crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where they supported agile governance and knowledge sharing [7,8]. Despite these benefits, significant challenges persist, including the lack of standardized criteria to define and measure the performance of smart cities according to their local needs [7,8,9,10].

In response to these challenges, the ISO 37120, 37122, and 37123 standards provide guidelines to enhance the effectiveness of urban platforms in achieving resilience and sustainability. These standards offer a structured framework to monitor urban services, quality of life, and resilience capabilities, enabling cities to align technological adoption with global sustainability goals [11]. Furthermore, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize technology transfer and innovation as critical drivers of sustainable urban growth [12]. Aligning the development of digital platforms with these global frameworks ensures inclusivity, equity, and long-term resilience in urban areas.

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the transformative potential of digital platforms in fostering resilient and intelligent urban environments. Specifically, it explores the contributions of these platforms to operational efficiency, participatory governance, and urban innovation while examining their alignment with the ISO 37123 standard and the SDGs. Utilizing a structured maturity model, this study highlights challenges cities face at different stages of digital transformation and offers practical recommendations for integrating resilience, sustainability, and innovative governance into urban management frameworks. By addressing these aspects, this study aims to provide actionable insights for advancing the role of digital platforms in building cities that are prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.

Literature Review

Digital platforms are central to urban transformation, enabling the collection and analysis of large urban data volumes to optimize services and infrastructure [13]. They can be categorized as commercial (e.g., Uber) or public platforms offering municipal services [14]. The concept of “platform urbanism” highlights their influence on urban space and governance, closely tied to the platform economy dominated by tech giants [15]. These platforms also enable IoT- and AI-based urban services, improving mobility, energy, and public safety, though challenges such as data interoperability and regulation persist [16].

Efforts toward open and decentralized urban platforms, such as Urban Open Platforms (UOP), promote participatory governance and sustainable approaches [17]. However, reliance on closed platforms by private entities raises concerns about transparency and social equity, often favoring developed areas [13]. The intersection of platforms and smart cities suggests governance models combining open platforms and community initiatives for inclusivity and resilience [18].

Cognitive city platforms, leveraging AI and machine learning, have emerged as tools for real-time urban management [19]. Open data platforms can enhance transparency and innovation while posing political challenges [20]. However, centralized data systems can undermine local autonomy, particularly in authoritarian contexts [21]. Platforms also shape socioeconomic dynamics, such as urban work in the platform economy [22], and contribute to urban security through IoT and computer vision technologies [23].

Environmental applications include integrating IoT and drones for pollution monitoring and waste management, supporting sustainable urban planning [24]. Platforms also enhance urban mobility through technologies like LiDAR for pedestrian safety [25]. Meanwhile, urban resilience benefits from predictive analytics and IoT for real-time crisis management [26].

Digital twin cities offer advanced modeling and simulation for urban planning [27]. These platforms enable data integration across urban sectors, addressing fragmentation and promoting collaboration [28]. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need for robust digital platforms for urban resilience, highlighting their role in tracking, telemedicine, and mobility strategies [29].

Integrating AI and big data analytics has made platforms catalysts for data-driven urban planning, fostering sustainability, governance, and citizen participation. However, addressing challenges like digital inequality, privacy, and interoperability is vital for inclusivity [30]. Open and collaborative models will define the future of smart cities, ensuring alignment between technological innovation and societal needs.

2. Materials and Methods

This section outlines the methodological approach used to analyze the role of digital platforms in enhancing urban resilience and intelligence, as well as the specific challenges cities face at different stages of development. This study focuses on understanding the impact of these platforms and providing practical recommendations for their effective implementation.

Figure 1 illustrates the methodological framework adopted to analyze digital platforms. The process begins with identifying platforms relevant to resilience and urban intelligence, followed by collecting official and academic data. Subsequently, the platforms were categorized according to the maturity model, evaluated, and compared to generate practical recommendations.

The research is based on a qualitative analysis of various digital platforms integrated into urban management systems across different global cities. These platforms were selected based on their relevance to urban resilience, sustainability, and digital transformation. The platforms analyzed include: Accra Resilience Initiative (Accra, Ghana) [31], Amsterdã Smart City (Amsterdã, The Netherlands) [32], Buenos Aires Ciudad Inteligente (Buenos Aires, Argentina) [33], CDMX Resiliente (Ciudad de México, Mexico) [34], Østerbro (Copenhagen, Denmark) [35], Guadalajara (Guadalajara, Mexico) [36], Lagos Smart City (Lagos, Nigeria) [37], LondonDatastore (London, UK) [38], Medellin Ruta N (Medellin, Colombia) [39], Mumbai Resilient Cities Initiative (Mumbai, India) [40], Nairobi Smart City (Nairobi, Kenya) [41], NYC Open Data (New York, USA) [42], Resilience Paris (Paris, France) [43], Resilient Cape Town (Cape Town, South Africa) [44], Resilient Cities (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) [45], Resilience Toronto (Toronto, Canada) [46], Resilient HK (Hong Kong, China) [47], SantosMapeada (Santos, Brazil) [48], Seoul Smart City (Seoul, Republic of Korea) [49], Sentilo (Barcelona, Spain) [50], Smart Nation Singapore (Singapore) [51], Smart Resilient SF (São Francisco, USA) [52], São Paulo Aberta (São Paulo, Brazil) [53], Sorocaba Intelligence (Sorocaba, Brazil) [54], Tokyo Smart City (Tokyo, Japan) [55], Vancouver Digital (Vancouver, Canada) [56], Resilient Quito (Quito, Equador) [57], Salvador em Dados (Salvador, Brazil) [58], and Dados à prova D’água (Brazil) [59].

These platforms were chosen because they represent different maturity levels regarding smart city development and offer diverse approaches to integrating technology into urban governance. The selection was based on relevance to urban resilience, digital maturity, geographical diversity, and the availability of public data. This ensured that this study covered a broad range of urban contexts and provided a robust comparative analysis. The evaluation of the platforms is structured around a maturity model that assesses cities across four stages of digital platform integration:

• Level 1 (Basic): Adopting digital tools for a limited row of urban services.
• Level 2 (Intermediate): More robust integration of digital systems with increased data utilization.
• Level 3 (Advanced): Comprehensive use of smart technologies, such as IoT, for urban management.
• Level 4 (Pioneer): Using cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and blockchain, for fully integrated smart city governance.

This study categorized the analyzed platforms into four maturity model levels based on technological integration, data utilization, and their impact on governance and urban resilience, as shown in Figure 2.

Each platform was assessed according to its position within this maturity model. It focused on critical indicators such as governance efficiency, citizen engagement, and resilience to external shocks (e.g., natural disasters and pandemics).

To ensure the reliability and validity of the analysis, we utilized verified public sources, such as official city portals and technical reports validated by international networks like the Resilient Cities Network. Additionally, a triangulation process was applied, integrating official data, academic literature, and urban resilience frameworks to minimize biases.

The research methodology proposes a comparative analysis of the platforms, focusing on three main aspects:

• Challenges cities face at different stages of platform maturity: This study identifies the technical, social, and infrastructural challenges they encounter as they move through the different stages of digital transformation.
• The impact of digital platforms on promoting urban resilience: The platforms were analyzed for their effectiveness in enhancing cities’ ability to anticipate, mitigate, and recover from urban stresses such as climate change, resource scarcity, and social disruptions.
• The practical recommendations for effective platform implementation: This study provides insights into the best practices for integrating digital transformation, sustainability, and urban intelligence into urban governance frameworks.

The primary data sources for this study were drawn from platform documentation and technical reports. Official documents from each digital platform were reviewed to understand the scope, functionality, and governance models.

City resilience frameworks: Documents and frameworks from international bodies, such as the Resilient Cities Network, were used to evaluate how each platform aligns with global standards for urban resilience.

Academic literature: Peer-reviewed articles provided theoretical insights into the role of digital platforms in urban transformation and the broader context of smart city development.

The methodology adopted for the literature review followed a systematic search, selecting and analyzing relevant articles in the Scopus database platform. Initially, the following keywords were used for the search: “urban platform” OR “city platform” OR “smart city platform”, aiming to identify studies related to the role of digital platforms in urban transformation and the development of smart cities. To ensure the relevance and timeliness of the studies, specific filters were applied, restricting the results to the period from 2020 to 2024, considering only documents of the scientific article type, written in English and open access, facilitating the reproducibility and transparency of the research. After this first screening, a total of 52 articles were obtained. To ensure the relevance of the studies to the scope of the review, a second filtering was carried out, in which the titles and abstracts of the articles were analyzed to verify their adequacy to the central theme. This process resulted in the final selection of 40 articles, which were analyzed and discussed in the literature review section, ensuring that the theoretical basis was aligned with the research objectives.

All platforms analyzed in this study are publicly accessible. The data on platform performance are available through official city portals, such as NYC Open Data [42] and Smart Nation Singapore [51]. The analysis conducted in this study is replicable, as it draws on publicly available resources and documentation. Any proprietary or restricted-access data have been excluded from this study to ensure transparency and accessibility.

3. Results

Resilience and smart city platforms are critical for effective urban management and planning. These digital platforms contribute significantly to mapping initiatives, mechanisms, and science, technology, and innovation programs within the UN framework and beyond. They facilitate access to information, knowledge, and experiences, promoting the dissemination of open-access scientific publications and fostering synergies among global initiatives, thus enhancing resource accessibility and minimizing duplication [12].

One of the key benefits of these platforms is data-driven decision making. For instance, platforms like NYC Open Data [42] and Sentilo [50] provide real-time data that help urban managers make informed decisions. Continuous monitoring of urban systems, such as transportation, security, and air quality, allows for quick and precise interventions during crises while supporting long-term planning.

In addition, resilient urban planning is another crucial area where these platforms offer value. By anticipating crises and preparing cities for natural disasters, climate change, and economic disruptions, platforms like the Resilient Cities Network collaborate with cities worldwide to plan effective responses to urban shocks and stresses. They help adapt infrastructure to withstand extreme events like floods and earthquakes.

Moreover, system integration and coordination are vital for ensuring the seamless operation of urban services. The Smart Resilient SF [52] and Smart Nation Singapore [51] platforms enable the integration of various urban systems, including energy, transportation, and healthcare. This integrated approach ensures coordinated crisis responses and enhances operational efficiency, maintaining critical services even in adverse conditions.

Beyond resilience, these platforms also play a role in promoting sustainability. For example, platforms like Amsterdam Smart City [32] and Copenhagen Resiliente [35] focus on reducing carbon footprints and encouraging sustainable transportation, energy, and waste management practices. They provide replicable models for cities aiming for low-carbon economies and energy efficiency.

Another critical aspect is citizen engagement and social inclusion. Tools such as London Datastore [38] and Smart Nairobi [41] promote transparency and encourage citizen participation in urban planning and policymaking. This engagement ensures that solutions meet the needs of diverse communities, fostering more inclusive and equitable urban environments.

Finally, climate and infrastructure resilience are key focus areas. Platforms like CDMX Resiliente [34] help cities prepare for climate change and reinforce urban infrastructure. These platforms identify vulnerable areas and develop strategies to mitigate the impacts of environmental disasters, such as storms and droughts, while promoting rapid recovery after these events.

Table 1. Online Platforms Identified According to the Outputs of the Methodology.

Platform	Continent	City, Country	Main Focus	Types of Data/Information	Related SDGs	Standards ISO Related
[52]	Latin America	Quito, Ecuador	Climate resilience	Climate and risk data	11, 13	37123
[53]	Latin America	Sao Paulo, Brazil	Participatory governance	Open Government Data	16, 11	37120
[58]	Latin America	Salvador, Brazil	Reducing inequalities	Social and economic mapping	10, 6	37120
[33]	Latin America	Buenos Aires, Argentina	Innovation and mobility	Urban mobility and consumption	9, 12	37122
[39]	Latin America	Medellin, Colombia	Education and innovation	Technological training	4, 9	37122
[59]	Latin America	Brazil	Flood management	Environmental monitoring	13	37123
[48]	Latin America	Santos, Brazil	Urban security	Digital mapping	11	37120
[54]	Latin America	Sorocaba, Brazil	Governance and public services	Real-time reporting	11, 16	37120
[36]	Latin America	Guadalajara, Mexico	Mobility management	Mobility and urban resources	11, 9	37122
[42]	North America	New York, USA	Transparency and open data	Accessible public data	16, 11	37120
[46]	North America	Toronto, Canada	Climate resilience	Climate data and infrastructure	13, 9	37123
[52]	North America	San Francisco, USA	Sustainability and clean energy	Energy and transportation systems	7, 13	37122
[56]	North America	Vancouver, Canada	Climate resilience	Environmental monitoring	13	37123
[34]	North America	Mexico City, Mexico	Resilient urban planning	Climate and urban systems	11, 13	37123
[50]	Europe	Barcelona, Spain	Real-time data	Transport sensors	11	37122
[38]	Europe	London, UK	Transparency and innovation	Open data and urban services	16, 9	37120
[32]	Europe	Amsterdam, The Netherlands	Sustainability and zero emissions	IoT and renewable energy	7, 13	37122
[35]	Europe	Copenhagen, Denmark	Climate resilience	Resource monitoring	13	37123
[43]	Europe	Paris, France	Sustainable urban planning	Mobility and quality of life	11, 13	37123
[55]	Asia	Tokyo, Japan	Technological innovation	IoT and infrastructure	9, 11	37122
[49]	Asia	Seoul, Republic of Korea	Sustainability and resilience	Big data and integration	11, 13	37123
[51]	Asia	Singapore	IoT and urban monitoring	Sensors and AI	9, 11	37122
[47]	Asia	Hong Kong, China	Climate resilience	Climate and infrastructure	13	37123
[40]	Asia	Mumbai, India	Resilient urban planning	Vulnerability mapping	11, 13	37123
[44]	Africa	Cape Town, South Africa	Climate resilience	Water and energy monitoring	13, 11	37123
[41]	Africa	Nairobi, Kenya	Sustainable planning	Waste and transportation	11, 13	37123
[31]	Africa	Accra, Ghana	Flood reduction	Resilience Infrastructure	13	37123
[45]	Africa	Dar es Salaam, Tanzania	Digital infrastructure	Transport and planning	11, 13	37122
[37]	Africa	Lagos, Nigeria	Urban mobility and inclusion	IoT and digital inclusion	11, 13	37122

presents the 29 digital platforms analyzed in this study, each associated with a specific city, as listed in the ‘City’ column. The selection of these platforms was guided by ease of access to online information, aligning with the digital transformation goals to promote transparency and facilitate open communication. This approach reflects the principles of smart governance, which emphasize the importance of inclusive decision-making processes and active stakeholder participation as essential elements for enhancing urban quality of life and fostering resilient, sustainable, and livable cities [59]. In this context, the analyzed platforms exemplify initiatives implementing accessible digital solutions while contributing to urban resilience, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.

Climate and Infrastructure Resilience: Platforms like CDMX Resiliente [18] are crucial for preparing cities to cope with climate change and reinforcing urban infrastructure. They help identify vulnerable areas and develop strategies to mitigate the impacts of environmental disasters, such as storms and droughts, while promoting rapid recovery after these events.

Several factors contribute to the successful adoption of platforms in building resilient and smart cities:

• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Platforms like Resilio and 100 Resilient Cities show that collaboration across sectors—government, private industry, and civil society—is essential for fostering resilience [60,61].
• Citizen Engagement: Platforms that promote participatory governance, such as the Smart Citizen Kit in Europe, enhance public trust and foster a sense of ownership among residents [60].
• Technological Integration: Platforms leveraging advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain, such as CityIQ and Energy Cloud in Europe, have demonstrated superior scalability and adaptability [61,62].

This research analyzes the specific challenges cities face at different stages of platform maturity, as well as the impact of these platforms on urban resilience. This research highlights practical recommendations for effective implementation and showcases examples of relevant digital platforms, mainly from Latin America, where these tools are gaining increasing importance for effective urban governance. The São Paulo Aberta initiative exemplifies how digital platforms can enhance urban resilience by promoting transparency and citizen engagement. By emphasizing open data and public interaction, São Paulo Aberta fosters resilience and intelligence, aligning with the research’s focus on addressing the challenges cities face when implementing such platforms.

Similarly, Singapore’s “Smart Nation” initiative showcases the integration of advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and big data to improve urban governance and the quality of life. Developed with collaboration from government bodies and private tech firms, this initiative enhances healthcare, transport, and security services, resulting in increased citizen engagement, efficient services, and improved resilience to crises. While challenges like data privacy concerns and technological integration arose, these were addressed through robust frameworks and public collaboration, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in implementing smart city solutions.

The findings of this study highlight the need for tailored approaches when implementing digital platforms across cities with varying levels of development, socioeconomic conditions, and technological readiness. The existing technological infrastructure and public–private collaboration provide a solid foundation for smart city initiatives for cities in developed regions, such as New York and Singapore. However, for cities in developing areas, such as Medellín or those in Sub-Saharan Africa, challenges related to limited resources, lower levels of digital literacy, and inadequate technological infrastructure must be addressed. Understanding these disparities is crucial to ensure that digital platforms contribute to urban resilience across all global contexts.

This research provides a comprehensive analysis of how digital platforms contribute to urban resilience and intelligence. A key focus is on the specific challenges cities face at different stages of platform maturity, the impact of these platforms on enhancing urban resilience, and practical recommendations for their effective implementation. Additionally, this section highlights examples of relevant digital platforms from different continents, with a particular emphasis on Latin American countries and their maturity models.

3.1. Challenges Faced by Cities at Different Stages of Development

Through the analysis of platforms across various cities, this study identifies distinct challenges faced by cities at different stages of digital platform maturity:

• Level 1 (Basic): Cities like Buenos Aires [33] face limitations in terms of digital infrastructure and struggle with integrating basic smart systems into their governance. The challenges at this stage include limited interoperability between systems and difficulties in ensuring real-time data collection across various urban sectors.
• Level 2 (Intermediate): Cities such as Medellin in Colombia have started adopting more integrated platforms like Ruta N [39], yet they still encounter barriers in scaling these solutions across all city sectors. They also face challenges securing long-term funding and ensuring consistent data quality across different departments.
• Level 3 (Advanced): Advanced cities like Singapore, with platforms such as Smart Nation [50], exhibit a high degree of integration of IoT and AI into their urban systems. However, they encounter challenges related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and ensuring equitable access to smart city technologies for all citizens.
• Level 4 (Pioneer): Pioneering cities like New York have adopted platforms such as NYC Open Data [42], which serve as benchmarks for transparency, citizen engagement, and governance efficiency. However, these cities must continuously innovate and balance technological advancements with ethical data ownership and public trust considerations.

3.2. Digital Platforms Across Continents

The analysis revealed several key platforms that play an important role in enhancing urban resilience and intelligence across different continents. A list of five platforms from each continent is provided, showcasing platforms that have been successfully integrated into urban systems:

North America:

• NYC Open Data—New York, USA [42];
• Smart City Atlanta—Atlanta, USA [62];
• Resilient Los Angeles—Los Angeles, USA [63];
• Smart Toronto—Toronto, Canada [64];
• Mexico City Resilient Platform—Mexico City, Mexico [34].

Europe:

• Smart Dublin—Dublin, Ireland [65];
• Barcelona Smart City—Barcelona, Spain [50];
• Amsterdam Smart City—Amsterdam, The Netherlands [32];
• Copenhagen Solutions Lab—Copenhagen, Denmark [66];
• Paris Resilient City—Paris, France [42].

Asia:

• Smart Nation Singapore—Singapore [51];
• Tokyo Smart City—Tokyo, Japan [55];
• Seoul Smart City—Seoul, South Korea [49];
• Smart Dubai—Dubai, UAE [67];
• Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint—Hong Kong, China [47].

Latin America:

• Buenos Aires Ciudad Inteligente—Buenos Aires, Argentina [33];
• Ruta N Medellín—Medellín, Colombia [39];
• Santiago Smart City—Santiago, Chile [68];
• São Paulo Resiliente—Sao Paulo, Brazil [69];
• Cidade do México Smart City—Mexico City, Mexico [34].

Africa:

• Resilient Cape Town—Cape Town, South Africa [44];
• Smart Lagos—Lagos, Nigeria [37];
• Smart Nairobi—Nairobi, Kenya [41];
• Accra Smart City—Accra, Ghana [31];
• Dar es Salaam Smart City—Dar es Salaam, Tanzania [45].

In Latin America, several cities have adopted digital platforms to enhance urban resilience and intelligence. Notable examples include Buenos Aires Ciudad Inteligente [33] and Ruta N Medellín [39], which aim to integrate technology into governance while addressing challenges such as uneven technological infrastructure and limited access to digital tools in marginalized areas.

Maturity models in Latin American cities emphasize building foundational infrastructure, focusing on improving governance and citizen engagement. Cities like Buenos Aires [33] and Sao Paulo [53] have developed digital strategies that align technological integration with local priorities, particularly sustainability and social equity. These models highlight different stages of digital platform development, with some cities in earlier stages focused on foundational infrastructure while others are advancing to more integrated systems that promote broader participation and enhanced service delivery.

In Brazil, platforms like São Paulo Aberta, in Sao Paulo, span multiple domains, including civil defense, urban planning, public management, and more [53]. Similarly, Salvador em Dados [58] in Salvador focuses on public services, security, and mobility, while Flood Monitoring in Vulnerable Areas (Dados à prova D’água [59]) addresses flood risks in specific areas. Additionally, SantosMapeada, in Santos [48], and Sorocaba Inteligente, in Sorocaba [54], provide public safety, open governance, and health services.

Despite these advances, a significant challenge in Brazil is the decentralization of data. Information is often fragmented across various platforms, with different apps and websites hosting separate datasets. This fragmentation complicates access for users, who may need to navigate multiple apps or sites to find relevant information. The lack of centralized data hinders the integration of smart city solutions, limiting the efficiency of data-driven decision making and public service delivery.

3.3. Impact of Digital Platforms on Urban Resilience

This study finds that digital platforms have a transformative impact on urban resilience, particularly in the areas of disaster preparedness, resource management, and governance:

• Disaster preparedness: Platforms like Smart Nation Singapore [51] have proven effective in real-time monitoring and predictive analytics, enabling city officials to deploy resources efficiently during crises.
• Sustainable resource management: Platforms such as Buenos Aires Ciudad Inteligente [33] have significantly improved the management of resources, particularly energy and water, through predictive tools that help reduce waste and optimize consumption.
• Citizen engagement: Platforms like NYC Open Data [42] have demonstrated the importance of transparency in governance by enabling citizens to access data and participate in urban planning. This fosters a greater sense of community ownership and resilience.

3.4. Recommendations for Effective Implementation

The analysis leads to several practical recommendations for the successful implementation of digital platforms in cities at various stages of development:

Tailored strategies based on city maturity: Cities at earlier stages of development should focus on building strong foundational infrastructure before integrating advanced technologies. As cities advance, they should adopt a phased approach, gradually incorporating AI and IoT while ensuring data security and privacy.

Collaboration between public and private sectors: Public–private partnerships are essential to overcoming financial and technological barriers. Cities should leverage these collaborations to access cutting-edge technology and expertise while ensuring that platforms are adaptable to local contexts.

Inclusive digital transformation: Ensuring all citizens, particularly marginalized groups, access digital platforms is critical for long-term resilience. Cities must prioritize digital literacy programs and develop accessible platforms for all demographic groups.

This analysis underscores the vital role of digital platforms in building resilient and smart cities while also addressing the unique challenges that arise at different levels of platform maturity. By leveraging these insights, cities can enhance their urban systems, improve resilience, and create more sustainable and inclusive urban environments.

A significant aspect of these platforms is their alignment with the UN SDGs, particularly goals related to sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), clean energy (SDG 7), and climate action (SDG 13). Platforms such as Energy Cloud contribute directly to achieving these goals by fostering energy transition and sustainability [60,61]. Furthermore, platforms prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, such as those in Latin America, ensure that the most vulnerable populations benefit from urban resilience strategies [60,61].

3.5. How Can Digital Platforms and Digital Transformation Accelerate the Advancement of Modern Cities in Terms of Resilience and Intelligence?

Digital Platforms and Urban Resilience Digital platforms facilitate real-time monitoring of urban events, such as natural disasters, helping cities respond quickly and effectively. For example, Smart Nation Singapore [51] uses IoT sensors and AI to predict and mitigate urban risks, promoting resilience through real-time data integration. Smart Nation Singapore accelerates the cities’ ability to adapt to crises, such as pandemics or floods.

Platforms and Urban Intelligence Urban digitization also promotes intelligence by enabling cities to use Big Data and AI to optimize resource use and improve sustainability. Buenos Aires Ciudad Inteligente [33], for instance, optimizes energy and natural resource use, promoting sustainable and intelligent development.

Positive Aspects:

Increased Decision-Making Efficiency: Platforms like NYC Open Data [42] allow cities to collect real-time data, improving the ability to make informed decisions.

Risk Prediction and Mitigation: Cities like Singapore use advanced technologies to predict disasters and manage crises more efficiently.

Resource Use Optimization: Cities like Buenos Aires can improve energy and water management, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Citizen Participation: Platforms like NYC Open Data [42] promote transparency and encourage citizens to participate in governance.

Negative Aspects:

Inequality in Implementation: Cities at initial development stages face difficulties integrating advanced technologies due to limited infrastructure, as seen in many Latin American cities.

High Integration Costs: Advanced platforms, such as Tokyo’s, require significant investments in technology and infrastructure, which can be prohibitive for developing cities.

Data Privacy: The massive data collection raises concerns about citizens’ privacy and information security.

Outdated Infrastructure: Cities with limited infrastructure may struggle to harness urban intelligence’s potential fully.

3.6. What Are the Challenges for Effectively Implementing These Platforms at Different Urban Development Stages?

Challenges for Cities at the Basic Stage (Level 1): In cities at the initial stage of digitalization, such as many in Latin America, the main challenges include the need for more technological infrastructure and the absence of interconnected systems.

Negative Aspects:

Inadequate Infrastructure: Platforms like São Paulo Resiliente [69] face difficulties interconnecting different urban services due to fragmented infrastructure.

Low Funding: Lack of resources to implement more robust technological solutions limits digital progress.

Challenges for Cities at the Intermediate Stage (Level 2): In cities with partial platform integration, such as Medellin, the challenges focus on the scalability of solutions and collaboration among different sectors.

Positive Aspects:

Progress in IoT and Big Data Integration: Ruta N [39] in Medellin has significantly advanced data integration and promoted innovation.

Negative Aspects:

Scalability Difficulties: Although these cities have begun integrating digital solutions, expanding to all urban sectors remains challenging.

Challenges for Cities at Advanced and Pioneering Stages (Level 3 and Level 4): Cities like Singapore and New York, at advanced maturity stages, face challenges related to cybersecurity, data privacy, and the need to balance innovation and regulation.

Positive Aspects:

Highly Advanced Solutions: Platforms like NYC Open Data [42] exemplify how pioneering cities use advanced technologies to manage resources and engage citizens.

Negative Aspects:

Privacy and Security: Extensive use of AI and Big Data raises concerns about citizens’ personal data security.

3.7. Recommendations for the Effective Implementation of Digital Platforms

Adaptation to Local Needs: Cities at the initial stages should prioritize building a robust digital infrastructure before investing in advanced technologies like AI and blockchain. For cities like Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo, gradually integrating digital platforms focused on sustainability is crucial.

Public–Private Collaboration: Partnerships between governments and technology companies can help developing cities overcome financial and technical barriers. Initiatives such as Smart Nation Singapore [51] and Ruta N [39] demonstrate the success of collaborations that drive innovation.

Inclusive Initiatives: Cities should promote digital inclusion to ensure platforms like NYC Open Data [42] are accessible to all citizens, regardless of socioeconomic status. Improving digital literacy and ensuring internet access are critical steps.

4. Proposal for a Platform for Resilient Cities: Integrating Digital Transformation with a Maturity Model

This proposed platform offers a comprehensive solution for managing and planning resilient cities by integrating digital transformation with an urban maturity model. The focus is on consolidating various emerging technologies, such as the IoT, Big Data, AI, and blockchain, to create an intelligent and scalable platform capable of evolving with a city’s maturity. This platform will act as a central hub for monitoring, analysis, and stakeholder engagement, promoting sustainability and resilience.

Digital Transformation and Maturity: The proposal is based on digital transformation, which involves leveraging digital technologies to improve processes, services, and urban governance [70]. Within this platform, digital transformation will allow cities at different maturity levels (basic, intermediate, advanced) to progressively and continuously adapt their services. A maturity model will assess each city’s development level regarding urban resilience and smart city capabilities, enabling planned and data-driven growth [70].

Platform Structure and Features: The platform will be structured into integrated modules that address critical aspects of urban management, such as mobility and environmental sustainability. Each module corresponds to a specific maturity level, enabling cities to evolve in alignment with their development stage. The platform’s main modules are outlined below.

4.1. Maturity Assessment Module

A Scalable Maturity Model: The platform will include a model for assessing a city’s maturity in urban infrastructure, service digitalization, and resilience. This model will be based on the continuous analysis of urban indicators, such as ISO 37123 [71] (resilient communities) and ISO 37120 [72] (urban quality of life).

Gradual Evolution: Cities will start at a basic level and gradually advance to higher stages as they implement more complex digital solutions and improve their crisis response capabilities.

4.2. The Real-Time Monitoring Module (IoT)

Data Collection through Smart Sensors: The platform will utilize IoT sensor networks to monitor urban elements in real-time, such as transportation, energy consumption, pollution levels, and population flow.

Centralized Data Visualization: All collected data will be integrated into an interactive dashboard, enabling managers and citizens to visualize urban performance in real-time and make informed decisions.

4.3. Smart Mobility Module

Intelligent Transportation: The platform will integrate public transportation systems with traffic data to optimize routes and reduce congestion.

Management of Autonomous and Electric Vehicles: The platform will progressively adapt to using autonomous and sustainable vehicles, especially in cities with advanced maturity levels.

4.4. Energy and Sustainability Module

Data-Based Energy Management: The platform will control and optimize urban energy consumption, focusing on renewable sources and decentralized management (e.g., photovoltaic and wind power plants).

Carbon Footprint Reduction: As cities advance through maturity levels, data will guide sustainability policies, aligning with the SDGs.

4.5. Resilience and Crisis Management Module

Predictive Risk Analysis: The platform will leverage AI to predict natural disasters and environmental crises, such as floods, heat waves, and earthquakes.

Automated Response Protocols: In emergencies, the system will activate rapid response protocols, mobilizing resources and issuing real-time alerts to citizens.

4.6. Citizen Participation Module

Engagement through Participatory Portals: Citizens will actively monitor processes, report problems, and suggest urban service improvements.

Gamification for Engagement: The platform will incentivize citizen engagement by rewarding those who contribute data or assist in city monitoring.

Evolution Path in the Maturity Model

The maturity model is organized into four stages, each defined by specific objectives that cities must achieve. The platform is designed to be flexible, allowing cities at different maturity levels to progress, ensuring that all components are tailored to the city’s technological and financial capacity.

• Level 1 (Basic): Focus on basic data infrastructure and connected sensors for local resilience and monitoring.
• Level 2 (Intermediate): Integration of multiple sectors (e.g., transportation, energy, security) using big data and AI for predictive decision making.
• Level 3 (Advanced): Fully integrated platform with real-time automation and citizen participation.
• Level 4 (Pioneering): Adopting emerging solutions, such as blockchain and edge computing, for a self-sustaining, intelligent city.

To address the policy implications in a more in-depth and specific manner, one can use the diagram depicted in Figure 3.

This platform proposal provides a holistic solution for cities seeking to enhance resilience and undergo digital transformation. By integrating an urban maturity model, cities can evolve continuously, adapting to social and environmental demands. Additionally, the platform’s focus on digital transformation offers flexibility for cities to implement emerging technologies according to their local capacities and contexts, promoting sustainable and resilient growth.

4.7. The Role of ISO Standards 37120 [72], 37122 [73], and 37123 [71] in Advancing Smart, Resilient, and Sustainable Urban Platforms

The evolution of smart urban platforms is intrinsically linked to their ability to mature into more integrated, efficient, and resilient systems. In the context of this study, the ISO 37120 [72], 37122 [73], and 37123 [71] standards play a key role in providing guidelines that support this transformation at different stages of platform maturity. From initial monitoring of urban services to advanced digital integration and resilience strengthening, these standards offer a structured path for urban platforms to evolve sustainably and adaptively.

This analysis directly connects the challenges and solutions discussed in the initial assessment of platforms with the strategic tools provided by ISO standards. By aligning platform maturity levels with the guidelines of these standards, it is demonstrated how cities can overcome specific barriers at each stage, optimize urban management, promote sustainability, and strengthen their capacity to respond to crises. Thus, this section seeks to integrate the understanding of the impact of ISO standards with the progress of urban platforms discussed previously.

The ISO standards 37120 [72], 37122 [73], and 37123 [71] provide a robust framework of indicators and guidelines essential to developing smart, resilient, and sustainable city platforms. These standards support the measurement and monitoring of urban services and the quality of life for citizens, guiding the adoption of advanced technologies that promote efficiency and sustainability. Furthermore, they enable cities to be well prepared for crisis response and recovery efforts. When applied in conjunction, these standards create a comprehensive framework to integrate urban management within technological platforms, transforming cities into efficient, resilient, and adaptable environments focused on population well-being.

ISO 37120 [72], which focuses on indicators for urban services and quality of life, provides a foundation for monitoring critical public services and assessing their impact on citizens. ISO 37120 establishes standardized indicators across crucial domains such as transportation, health, education, security, waste management, energy, and water supply, allowing these sectors to be transparently monitored and evaluated. Such monitoring is essential for urban management platforms to collect real-time data, identify inefficiencies, and facilitate prompt, evidence-based decisions for service improvement. For example, a city may analyze transportation data to optimize public transit, reducing waiting times and improving user satisfaction. Additionally, ISO 37120 [72] allows for benchmarking among cities, enabling cross-learning and adopting best practices to enhance service performance, which is pivotal for informed policymaking and improving urban quality of life.

Another critical aspect of ISO 37120 [72] is its emphasis on environmental sustainability, incorporating indicators for natural resource efficiency, waste reduction, water management, and greenhouse gas emission control. These indicators are crucial for smart city platforms that align urban development with sustainable practices. Through energy and water monitoring, platforms can recommend resource-saving measures and encourage renewable energy adoption, directly contributing to greener, more sustainable urban environments. By integrating this environmental data into a centralized platform, urban managers can pinpoint areas for impact reduction and resource optimization.

Complementing ISO 37120 [72], ISO 37122 [73] focuses on digitalizing and optimizing urban services. ISO 37122 introduces indicators that measure the degree of technology adoption and automation, providing a foundation for cities to enhance public service efficiency and citizen engagement. One of ISO 37122’s [73] significant contributions is the promotion of interoperability between urban systems. In a smart city context, integrating sectors—such as transportation, energy, security, and waste management—within a unified platform is essential to creating a coordinated urban system that adapts rapidly to changing conditions and adjusts services in real time according to demand.

The digitalization and automation fostered by ISO 37122 [73] also promote sustainability and energy efficiency. Indicators assess smart technologies in public lighting, heating, cooling, and energy management, encouraging solutions that improve service quality, reduce energy use, and lower environmental impact. For instance, smart lighting systems can adjust intensity based on pedestrian and vehicle presence, conserving energy during lower traffic periods. ISO 37122 [73] also facilitates citizen engagement through digital platforms, allowing real-time communication with authorities. For example, smartphone applications connected to urban platforms enable citizens to report issues like outages or road hazards, fostering prompt, coordinated responses.

Lastly, ISO 37123 [71] addresses urban resilience by providing indicators that assess a city’s ability to prepare for, withstand, and recover from diverse crises, including those of a climatic, social, or economic nature. Urban resilience is increasingly vital considering climate change and the rising frequency of natural disasters like floods, storms, and droughts. This standard aids cities in risk monitoring and the implementation of mitigation strategies. One practical application of ISO 37123 [71] is through early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms, where cities monitor factors like river levels or precipitation and issue alerts to vulnerable areas, facilitating the evacuation of residents when necessary.

The ability to recover post-crisis is a critical component of ISO 37123 [71], measuring cities’ effectiveness in restoring services, such as electricity, water, and transportation, after a disaster. Resilient platforms utilize these indicators to strategically allocate resources, ensuring the swift restoration of essential services to minimize population impact. For example, urban platforms may prioritize potable water distribution and power restoration in the hardest-hit areas after a flood, coordinating emergency teams based on real-time data.

In this way, the ISO 37120 [72], 37122 [73], and 37123 [71] standards play specific roles at each stage of the platform maturity model. At level 1 (basic), where cities are beginning to integrate digitally, ISO 37120 [72] provides a crucial basis for monitoring essential urban services such as transport, health, and water supply. These indicators allow cities to identify critical gaps and start building data-driven planning. At this stage, the priority is to ensure that fundamental data are collected and evaluated to establish a consistent basis for governance.

Moving to level 2 (intermediate), ISO 37122 [73] comes into its own by promoting the digitalization and automation of urban services. At this level, cities begin to integrate multiple systems, such as public transportation and waste management, through digital platforms. The interoperability promoted by this standard ensures that data from different sectors is consolidated, increasing efficiency and reducing waste.

At level 3 (advanced), cities use IoT and artificial intelligence technologies, enabling predictive and real-time management of urban services. ISO 37123 [71] is essential in this context, as it provides guidelines for strengthening the resilience of cities in the face of crises and disasters. For example, systems based on this standard can predict floods or power outages, enabling rapid and coordinated responses.

Finally, at level 4 (pioneering), cities operate with cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain and edge computing. ISO standards work together to ensure that technological advances are sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. This synergy allows cities to respond to crises efficiently and anticipate future trends and challenges, establishing themselves as global benchmarks in urban intelligence.

Therefore, ISO 37120 [71], 37122 [73], and 37123 [71] standards are not only technical guidelines but also strategic tools that guide cities on their digital maturity journey. They ensure that urban development is structured, sustainable, and aligned with local and global needs, enabling urban platforms to become actual ecosystems of innovation and resilience.

In summary, ISO 37120 [71], 37122 [73], and 37123 [71] provide an integrated framework that enables cities to achieve efficient, sustainable, and future-proof urban management when applied to smart, resilient, and sustainable urban platforms. These ISO 37120 [71], 37122 [73], and 37123 [71] standards apply to different levels of the platform maturity model. In cities at the basic level (level 1), ISO 37120 [71] serves as an initial framework for monitoring essential urban services and assessing quality of life. At the intermediate level (level 2), ISO 37122 [73] supports integrating and digitalizing urban services, promoting greater efficiency. For cities at the advanced (level 3) and pioneer (level 4) levels, ISO 37123 [71] provides a concise set of indicators that help cities manage risks and improve their crisis response capacity. This connection between ISO standards and maturity levels reinforces how platforms can evolve from basic systems to complex digital ecosystems, addressing specific challenges at each stage of development. This strategic alignment between maturity and ISO standards ensures that cities move forward in a structured and sustained manner.

Thus,

Table 2. Table of Contributions of ISO Standards to Smart, Resilient and Sustainable Cities Platforms.

Contributions of ISO Standards to Smart, Resilient and Sustainable Cities Platforms
Indicator Axes	Contributions of ISO Standards
	ISO 37120 [72]	ISO 37122 [73]	ISO 37123 [71]
Economy	Monitors economic growth, employment and productivity, providing data to optimize investments and generate jobs, essential for sustainable development.	Focuses on the digitalization of economic services, promoting smart contracts and open data policies, encouraging innovation and attracting new technology businesses.	It helps identify economic vulnerabilities in the event of disasters, allowing platforms to optimize resources and minimize economic impacts in crises.
Education	Monitors the schooling rate and the quality of education, helping the platform to identify educational inequalities and plan inclusion policies.	Promotes the use of educational technologies and the monitoring of available digital devices, optimizing distance learning and continuous learning.	Focuses on disaster preparedness through educational training, ensuring that the population is prepared to deal with crisis situations.
Energy	Measures energy consumption and energy efficiency, enabling platforms to optimize energy use and implement resource-saving policies.	Encourages the use of renewable energy sources and decentralized energy monitoring through smart technologies.	Analyzes the response capacity of energy infrastructures in times of crisis, ensuring resilience in events such as blackouts and network overloads.
Environment and climate change	Provides indicators on air quality, water use and waste management, allowing platforms to monitor environmental impacts and develop green policies.	It emphasizes the use of sensors and technologies for real-time monitoring of environmental quality, helping the city to quickly adapt to environmental changes.	Monitors the city’s environmental vulnerability, such as extreme heat events and floods, optimizing the allocation of resources and preventive actions.
Finance	It controls financial stability and debt levels, allowing platforms to balance the public budget and promote fiscal sustainability.	Promotes the digitalization of financial transactions and services, encouraging the use of electronic systems to optimize revenue collection and financial management.	Monitors the economic impact of disasters and crises, allowing cities to prepare emergency funds and strategies for financial recovery.
Governance	It measures the transparency and efficiency of administrative processes, ensuring that platforms offer open data and services accessible to the population.	Encourages digital governance, with public services accessible online, promoting transparency and citizen participation through digital platforms.	Assesses governance’s ability to respond to disasters, monitoring continuity plans and emergency management strategies.
Health	Monitors the availability of health services and public health indicators, helping platforms improve hospital management and outbreak response.	It uses technologies for remote health monitoring, allowing platforms to connect patients and providers more efficiently.	Monitors the health system’s ability to handle emergencies by evaluating hospitals with backup generators and health insurance coverage.
Housing	Monitors access to adequate housing and basic infrastructure, allowing platforms to better plan the allocation of housing resources.	Encourages the use of smart energy and water meters in homes, promoting efficiency and consumption control.	It assesses the vulnerability of housing to natural disasters and monitors the capacity of emergency shelters to protect the population in times of crisis.
Population and social conditions	It assesses the population’s quality of life, measuring social inclusion and access to essential services, helping the platform to identify areas that need special attention.	Encourages the use of technology to reduce digital exclusion and improve access to public services.	It focuses on protecting the most vulnerable population during crises, promoting social and community support strategies.
Recreation	It measures the population’s access to parks and leisure areas, encouraging the planning of urban green spaces.	Promotes the use of digital platforms to reserve and manage recreational spaces, improving accessibility.	Monitors the ability of recreational spaces to function as temporary shelter areas during disasters.
Security	Monitors crime rates and public safety, helping the platform direct efforts to improve surveillance and police presence.	Implements the use of security cameras and digital surveillance in public areas, promoting security through intelligent monitoring.	Focuses on the resilience of security systems during disasters and crises, ensuring that platforms can coordinate rapid responses in emergency situations.
Solid waste	Monitors the collection and treatment of solid waste, helping platforms optimize recycling and waste management.	Implements technologies to monitor garbage collection and the use of waste to generate energy.	Assesses the city’s ability to manage waste during and after disasters, promoting the creation of resilient waste collection systems.
Sport and culture	Monitors the population’s access to sporting and cultural activities, helping the platform to plan more inclusive public spaces.	Promotes the use of technologies to reserve and manage cultural and sporting spaces, facilitating the population’s access to these activities.	Assesses the resilience of sports and cultural facilities during crises and disasters, ensuring they can be used as temporary shelters.
Telecommunication	Monitors access to the internet and telecommunications services, promoting digital inclusion policies.	It focuses on the digitalization of telecommunications services, integrating smart networks and promoting the use of real-time data.	Monitors the ability of telecommunications infrastructures to remain functional during crises.
Transport	Monitors the use of public and private transport, helping to optimize urban mobility.	It encourages the use of traffic management and intelligent transport technologies, optimizing flow and sustainability.	Assesses the resilience of the transport system during crises and disasters, ensuring the continuity of essential services.
Local/urban agriculture and food security	Monitors food availability and access to markets, promoting food security.	Encourages the use of urban agricultural technologies such as sensors and smart irrigation systems.	It assesses the resilience capacity of urban agriculture in times of crisis, guaranteeing food supply.
Urban planning	Monitors the development of urban infrastructures and services, promoting the sustainable expansion of cities.	Focuses on the use of technologies to optimize urban planning, promoting the development of smart cities.	Assesses the resilience of urban planning to face disasters, ensuring that essential infrastructures are protected.
Sewers	Monitors access to sanitation and sewage services, promoting public health and sustainability.	Promotes the use of technologies for monitoring sewage networks, ensuring waste control and resource optimization.	Assesses the capacity of sewage systems to operate in times of crisis, ensuring continuity of sanitation.
Water	Monitors access to drinking water and efficiency in water use, promoting policies to save water resources.	It uses intelligent technologies to monitor water consumption, identifying leaks and optimizing distribution.	Assesses the water system’s ability to operate during crises, ensuring water supply in times of emergency.

outlines the contributions of ISO standards 37120 [71], 37122 [73], and 37123 [71] to smart, resilient, and sustainable city platforms. This table provides an objective, structured reference, helping cities implement effective urban management technologies and practices. Organizing the ISO contributions thematically allows for a detailed view of how these standards can integrate to address contemporary urban challenges, providing urban planners and decision makers with a clear strategy for improving sustainable public policies.

Moreover, integrating these standards within a single table facilitates cross-sectoral comparison and offers a comprehensive view of how cities can combine innovative technology use, open governance, sustainability, and resilience. This standards-based approach enables cities to implement solutions that enhance specific services and ensure continuity during crises, ultimately fostering long-term sustainability and quality of life. Consequently, Table 2 serves as a practical and strategic resource for the development of more efficient, secure, and adaptable urban environments.

These contributions demonstrate how each of the ISO standards addresses different aspects of sustainable development, digitalization, and resilience, supporting the creation of smarter cities that are future-ready and capable of dealing with complex crises and challenges.

4.8. How the 17 SDGs Contribute to Smart, Resilient, and Sustainable City Platforms [57]

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [74] provide a global framework for addressing contemporary urban challenges, aligning sustainability, inclusion, and resilience goals with local public policies. In the context of smart, resilient, and sustainable cities, the SDGs [74] are essential to guide the construction and evolution of digital platforms promoting sustainable urban development. This approach connects directly to the platform maturity analysis presented in the first part of this study, which structures the progress of cities towards integrated technological systems, and to the application of ISO 37120 [72], 37122 [73], and 37123 [71] standards, which provide practical guidelines for urban management and resilience. This alignment between the SDGs [74], digital platforms, and ISO standards establishes a clear path for cities to combine technological innovation with global sustainability goals, promoting effective and adaptable urban solutions.

The SDGs [74] are a global agenda established by the United Nations, comprising 17 interconnected targets launched in 2015 to be achieved by 2030. While aiming to eradicate poverty, protect the environment, and promote prosperity for all, these goals seek to foster a sustainable future. The SDGs play a fundamental role in guiding global, regional, and local public policies by encouraging practices that integrate economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection. Each SDG addresses critical human development and sustainability areas, offering a framework to guide nations and cities in advancing inclusive and equitable growth.

Integrating the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [74] into smart urban platforms aligns global goals with local solutions, driving sustainable urban development. This approach is enhanced when combined with the platform maturity model and ISO standards 37120 [72], 37122 [73], and 37123 [71], which provide frameworks for urban management, digitalization, and resilience.

Cities evolve through stages of platform maturity, requiring increasing technological integration and data-driven governance. At the basic maturity level, platforms focus on data collection and initial urban service management, guided by SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). ISO 37120 [72] supports this process by monitoring service quality and ensuring measurable improvements.

At the intermediate level, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and ISO 37122 [73] guide the digitalization of sectors like transport and health, emphasizing system interoperability. For example, traffic management technologies aligned with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) reduce congestion and emissions, advancing sustainability.

In the advanced stage, platforms incorporate IoT and AI, with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and ISO 37123 [71] addressing climate resilience. Real-time sensors and AI enable weather monitoring and early warnings, strengthening urban crisis response and meeting SDG 13 targets.

At the pioneering level, platforms leverage blockchain and predictive analytics for innovation and sustainability, supported by SDGs 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). ISO 37122 [73] and 37123 [71] ensure ethical and transparent use of these technologies, fostering collaboration and citizen participation.

The platform maturity analysis highlights SDGs [74] as benchmarks for progressive urban development. Initial efforts focus on data infrastructure and connectivity, while later stages address challenges like social inequalities (SDG 10) and resource management (SDG 15). Integrating SDGs [74], ISO standards, and platform maturity provides a roadmap for cities to achieve balanced, inclusive, and resilient growth, leveraging technology as a catalyst for sustainable development.

Integrating the SDGs [74] into smart, resilient, and sustainable city platforms is essential, as it enables cities to align their policies and technological innovations with global development goals, fostering a more sustainable and just future. For instance, SDG 1 (No Poverty) can be integrated into digital platforms that map vulnerable areas, ensuring that inclusion policies are accurately targeted using geographical and population data. SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), aimed at sustainable agriculture, can leverage technology to monitor food security and support smart urban farming techniques, increasing efficiency in urban food production. SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) can be enhanced by digital health platforms that provide real-time public health data, enabling rapid responses to outbreaks or epidemics.

In education, SDG 4 (Quality Education) can benefit from digital platforms integrated into learning environments, promoting quality education through remote access tools and academic performance monitoring. SDG 5 (Gender Equality) can be incorporated into governance platforms that promote inclusive policies and monitor progress, ensuring equal opportunities in urban settings. For SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), smart technologies can manage water distribution and wastewater treatment, optimizing urban water resources to ensure universal access.

SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) aligns with smart grid technologies that efficiently manage energy consumption and encourage renewable sources. Similarly, using reliable data, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) can be supported through platforms mapping the local labor market and fostering entrepreneurship and job creation. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) directly contributes to the development of smart cities by adopting technological solutions for optimized urban services, from mobility to resilient infrastructure construction.

To address inequalities, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) can benefit from platforms that monitor social and economic disparities in real time, enabling more effective implementation of inclusive policies. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) is fundamental to smart city platforms, promoting advanced technologies for urban service management, efficiency, and disaster resilience. SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) can be advanced through technologies that optimize supply chains and encourage conscientious consumer behavior.

SDG 13 (Climate Action) can be implemented through platforms by monitoring climate and environmental data, facilitating the prediction of extreme events, and supporting mitigation efforts. SDG 14 (Life Below Water) can be enhanced by platforms monitoring water quality in urban areas, promoting marine ecosystem conservation. SDG 15 (Life on Land) supports environmental monitoring technologies that help preserve green spaces and biodiversity in urban and rural areas.

SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) can be strengthened through digital platforms that promote transparency, citizen engagement, and governance monitoring. Finally, SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) can be facilitated through collaborative platforms that connect cities, sectors, and countries, enabling the exchange of best practices and cooperative implementation of innovative solutions.

In summary, integrating the 17 SDGs into smart, resilient, and sustainable city platforms offers a strategic roadmap for sustainable urban development, ensuring that urban growth is balanced, inclusive, and equipped to face future challenges.

Table 3. Table of SDGs [74] and Their Contributions to Smart, Resilient and Sustainable City Platforms.

SDG [57]	SDG Title	Contributions to Smart, Resilient and Sustainable Cities
SDG 1	Eradication of poverty	Mapping vulnerable areas for digital and social inclusion policies.
SDG 2	Zero hunger and sustainable agriculture	Agricultural monitoring and technologies to ensure food security in urban areas.
SDG 3	Health and well-being	Using health monitoring platforms and real-time data to improve public health.
SDG 4	Quality education	Digital tools to guarantee universal access to quality education.
SDG 5	Gender equality	Monitoring gender equality and encouraging inclusive public policies.
SDG 6	Drinking water and sanitation	Intelligent management of water resources and sewage treatment to ensure sustainability.
SDG 7	Clean and affordable energy	Implement smart grids to manage energy consumption and promote renewable energy.
SDG 8	Decent work and economic growth	Platforms for mapping employment opportunities and sustainable economic growth.
SDG 9	Industry, innovation and infrastructure	Innovation in smart infrastructure to optimize urban services and promote resilient cities.
SDG 10	Reducing inequalities	Track social and economic inequalities in real time, promoting inclusion.
SDG 11	Sustainable cities and communities	Real-time urban data monitoring to promote more sustainable cities.
SDG 12	Responsible consumption and production	Optimization of production chains and encouraging conscious consumption through technologies.
SDG 13	Action against global climate change	Climate and environmental monitoring to predict and mitigate the effects of climate change.
SDG 14	Life in the water	Monitoring water quality and preserving water resources in cities.
SDG 15	Earth life	Technologies to monitor biodiversity and preserve green areas in urban environments.
SDG 16	Peace, justice and effective institutions	Digital governance platforms to promote transparency and citizen participation.
SDG 17	Partnerships and means of implementation	Collaboration between global cities to share innovative and sustainable solutions.

provides a detailed view of how each of the 17 SDGs contributes to smart, resilient, and sustainable city platforms. This table is a clear and organized reference, linking global SDGs to practical urban management applications. By connecting each SDG with its potential impact and application on city platforms, Table 3 provides a strategic perspective on how SDGs can be integrated into urban planning efficiently and innovatively.

Table 3 provides a practical tool for urban managers, planners, and policymakers to identify which SDGs can be effectively addressed through technological solutions, such as real-time monitoring, big data, IoT, and AI. By offering concrete examples of SDG applications within urban platforms, the table facilitates the alignment of global targets with local city objectives. This approach enables cities to monitor their progress toward the SDGs, refine strategies for optimal impact, and foster greater resource efficiency, enhanced quality of life, and increased urban resilience.

In summary, the table plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between global sustainability goals and local urban needs, supporting a more integrated and sustainable development path that addresses the unique challenges of the 21st century.

4.9. Which Platforms Already Integrate the SDGs [74], and How Do They Contribute to Smart, Resilient, and Sustainable Cities?

Globally, several platforms are actively integrating the SDGs within urban management, monitoring, and planning frameworks, leveraging technologies such as big data, AI, and the IoT to foster smarter, more resilient, and sustainable cities. These platforms enable alignment between global SDGs and local realities, facilitating real-time SDG monitoring and supporting the implementation of targeted public policies.

Section 4.9 explores the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into digital platforms, highlighting their importance for building smart, resilient, and sustainable cities. This section analyzes the 29 platforms in Table 1, representing diverse local initiatives and platforms from international organizations providing widely recognized models and guidelines. This alignment between technological solutions and public policies supports global sustainability goals, fostering collaborative and adaptive urban development.

Resilient Quito (Ecuador) exemplifies the integration of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by employing digital tools to monitor risks and empower communities to adapt to climate change. Similarly, São Paulo Aberta (Brazil) links SDG 16 (Strong Institutions) and SDG 11 through open data and participatory practices that improve urban mobility and enhance governance. Salvador em Dados (Brazil) addresses SDG 10 (Reducing Inequalities) and SDG 6 (Clean Water) by using urban data mapping to plan strategic interventions for vulnerable communities.

In Buenos Aires (Argentina), the Ciudad Inteligente platform advances SDG 9 (Innovation) and SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption) by optimizing mobility and resource use, making it a regional model for sustainable urban practices. Ruta N Medellín (Colombia) integrates SDG 9 and SDG 4 (Quality Education) through partnerships and training programs, establishing itself as a hub for sustainable innovation. Waterproof Data (Brazil) supports SDG 13 by leveraging sensors and predictive tools for flood resilience, providing a model for other cities.

Global initiatives further reinforce these principles. NYC Open Data (USA) exemplifies data-driven governance, promoting SDGs 16 and 11. Amsterdam Smart City (The Netherlands) prioritizes SDGs 7 (Clean Energy) and 13 through renewable energy projects. Tokyo Smart City (Japan) integrates SDG 9 and 11, addressing urban density challenges with advanced technology. Lagos Smart City (Nigeria) aligns with SDGs 11, 9, and 13, combining digitalization and urban planning to improve mobility, inclusion, and sustainability.

Recurring themes include climate resilience and community engagement. Resilience Toronto (Canada), Resilient HK (Hong Kong), and Copenhagen (Denmark) focus on SDG 13 through tools that monitor environmental risks and support local engagement. Platforms such as Sentilo (Barcelona) and London Datastore emphasize SDGs 11 and 16, enhancing mobility, transparency, and citizen collaboration.

These examples illustrate the synergy between SDGs and digital platforms, showcasing their capacity to drive sustainable urban development. By integrating data-driven approaches, fostering inclusivity, and addressing local and global challenges, these platforms transform cities into hubs of innovation and sustainability, ensuring a balanced, equitable, and resilient urban future.

The Global Task Force on Cholera Control [75] platform exemplifies SDG [74] integration, with a particular focus on SDG 6 and SDG 3. Real-time monitoring of water quality and sanitation data enhances rapid response to cholera outbreaks in vulnerable regions, thereby improving public health and ensuring access to essential services [75].

The CIMNE Smart City Platform [76], developed by the International Center for Numerical Methods in Engineering, incorporates SDGs relevant to urban sustainability and resource management, notably SDG 11 and SDG 12. Through AI and big data, this platform manages urban traffic, monitors energy use, and optimizes waste collection, improving urban efficiency and sustainability [76].

The United Nations Global Pulse [77] initiative developed a monitoring platform that harnesses data from various sources, including social media, mobile devices, and IoT, to track SDG progress. United Nations Global Pulse monitors progress toward SDG 4, SDG 8, and SDG 13, promoting the use of advanced technologies to optimize public policies [77].

FIWARE [78], an open-source platform widely used for smart city development, integrates SDGs into its functionalities, focusing on energy efficiency, transportation, and waste management. FIWARE [62] enables cities to implement solutions for SDG 7, SDG 9, and SDG 11, utilizing sensors and data to optimize urban services [79].

The SDG Tracker [80], developed by the University of Oxford, tracks SDG progress at global, national, and local levels, providing insights on advancements toward SDG, SDG 5, SDG 10, and SDG 13. This tool facilitates comprehensive monitoring and assessment of performance across regions [79].

The City Resilience Profiling Tool by UN-Habitat assesses urban resilience in response to natural disasters, climate change, and socioeconomic crises. The tool contributes to SDG 11 and SDG 13 by enabling cities to strengthen crisis preparedness, enhance response capacity, and build resilience [81].

MyWorld 2030 [81], a UN-promoted platform, gathers citizens’ perceptions of SDG progress within their communities, facilitating public participation in monitoring SDGs in areas such as education, health, and governance, aligned with SDG 4, SDG 3, and SDG 16 [80,81].

SDG Cities [82], another platform by UN-Habitat, enables cities to track SDG progress using data analytics and AI. By monitoring indicators related to public health, urban mobility, energy, and housing, the platform supports the alignment of public policies with SDG 3, SDG 11, and SDG 7 [82,83].

OpenSDG [84], an open-source platform, facilitates SDG progress tracking and visualization for governments and cities. OpenSDG supports the monitoring of indicators related to SDG 16, SDG 5, and SDG 10, helping inform evidence-based public policies [82].

The GeoSDG platform employs geolocation technology to monitor public policy impacts in real-time, which is particularly useful for assessing the spatial distribution of poverty (SDG 1), social inequality (SDG 10), and environmental protection (SDG 12 and SDG 15). As part of the Earth Observations for SDGs (EO4SDG) initiative, GeoSDG utilizes satellite imagery and geospatial data for real-time climate action, natural resource management, and sustainable urban development strategies [85].

These platforms demonstrate how technology, big data, IoT, and citizen engagement are essential for incorporating the SDGs [75] into urban frameworks, ensuring that urban development remains sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. The advancement of these tools allows cities worldwide to enhance resource management, promote social equity, and address global challenges, including climate change and inequality.

5. Conclusions

This study explores the transformative potential of digital platforms in advancing smart, resilient, and sustainable cities, demonstrating that these technologies play a pivotal role in urban governance, sustainability, and crisis response. Platforms like NYC Open Data [42] and Smart Nation Singapore [51] exemplify how digital integration fosters operational efficiency, citizen engagement, and urban resilience, with notable improvements in disaster response and planning capabilities. However, cities at earlier stages of digital maturity, such as Medellín [39], face significant challenges in scaling and implementing these solutions, underscoring the importance of customized approaches that address varying levels of digital infrastructure and public management capacity.

In exploring the reasons behind the success of some platforms in enhancing urban resilience, it is crucial to consider technological, cultural, and governance factors. Platforms like NYC Open Data and Smart Nation Singapore thrive because of robust technological infrastructure, government commitment, and strong public–private partnerships. These platforms benefit from advanced data collection mechanisms, high levels of technological readiness, and a culture of transparency and citizen engagement. In contrast, cities like Medellín, still in earlier stages of digital maturity, face challenges such as limited technological infrastructure, insufficient digital literacy, and constrained governance capacity. These factors contribute to slower adoption and implementation of digital platforms, requiring tailored solutions to address each city’s unique context.

This study highlights the critical role of ISO standards 37120 [73], 37122 [74], and 37123 [72], which provide a structured framework for cities seeking to develop smart, resilient, and sustainable environments. These standards address essential aspects of urban development: ISO 37120 [72] focuses on monitoring urban services and quality of life, ISO 37122 [74] drives digitalization and innovation, and ISO 37123 [72] enhances disaster resilience. They enable cities to implement robust, data-driven policies that improve citizen well-being, support resource efficiency, and enhance crisis readiness. Notably, integrating these standards facilitates the creation of interoperable and efficient urban management systems, crucial for complex, sustainable urban planning.

Limitations to widespread adoption remain, particularly for cities with constrained financial resources or limited technological infrastructure. Implementing these standards requires substantial investment and well-structured public management capable of collecting and analyzing real-time data. Additionally, data privacy and security challenges must be addressed, mainly as cities increasingly rely on real-time information. The SDGs [75] complement ISO standards by offering a global roadmap that guides urban development across areas such as poverty reduction, education, clean energy, and climate resilience. Integrating the SDGs within technological platforms through tools like big data, IoT, and AI empowers cities to align local policies with global targets, enhancing inclusive and sustainable urban growth.

The findings emphasize the need for ongoing research to make these platforms and standards accessible to smaller or less developed cities. Future studies should investigate ways to overcome technological and financial barriers, focusing on emerging solutions like blockchain and edge computing that can enhance urban resilience. Exploring adaptive frameworks for ISO standards in diverse urban contexts is also critical to ensure that standardization supports, rather than hinders, sustainable development. Additionally, comparative studies could provide valuable insights into best practices, equipping cities at different maturity levels with effective strategies for addressing complex urban challenges.

In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of digital platforms and international standards, such as the SDGs [75] and ISO [71,72,73,74] frameworks, as foundational elements for creating smarter, more resilient cities. Aligning urban development with these tools fosters inclusivity, sustainability, and readiness to tackle global challenges like climate change and social crises. The ongoing advancement of digital technologies and collaboration between public and private sectors will be essential in building cities equipped for a resilient, sustainable future.

Finally, while the conclusions drawn are based on the case studies analyzed, the applicability of these findings to cities outside of these examples is uncertain. Future research should explore how these findings can be applied to other cities, particularly those in less developed or rural areas, to assess whether the conclusions hold across diverse urban settings.