Smart and Sustainable Cities and Rural Regions: Data-Driven Approaches for Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure
A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Urban and Rural Development".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 105
Special Issue Editor
Interests: sustainable and resilient infrastructure systems; smart mobility systems; big data mining and analytics; deep learning methods and applications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue explores the role of advanced technologies and data-driven solutions in developing resilient, sustainable, and interconnected infrastructure across both urban and rural settings. As cities and rural regions evolve, their infrastructure needs are increasingly interlinked, requiring integrated approaches that support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social well-being. Rapid urbanization, climate variability, and technological advancements are reshaping urban infrastructure. Rural areas, which are critical for food production, resource management, and cultural preservation, are modernizing to enhance their connectivity, service delivery, and resilience. Bridging urban and rural infrastructure gaps requires innovative, adaptable, and region-specific solutions.
Urban centers are leveraging smart technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and artificial intelligence to optimize infrastructure systems, including transportation networks, energy grids, and water management. These advancements enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and improve urban living conditions. Meanwhile, rural regions are embracing digital connectivity, precision agriculture, and decentralized energy solutions to enhance the reliability of their infrastructure and the accessibility of services. Challenges such as aging infrastructures, climate resilience, and equitable access to resources require coordinated strategies that align technological advancements with local needs.
This Special Issue will showcase case studies, methodologies, and policies that highlight how integrated, technology-driven infrastructure solutions can support both urban and rural regions. By fostering collaboration and leveraging smart systems, we can create more resilient, adaptive, and sustainable infrastructure that meets the needs of diverse communities and ensures long-term prosperity.
Dr. Jidong J. Yang
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- resilient infrastructure
- data-driven solutions
- digital transformation
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- sustainable development
- big data analytics
- rural connectivity
- urban–rural integration
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