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Smart Cities and Smart Villages and the Global Digital Transformation: Strategy and Community Engagement—2nd Edition

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Urban and Rural Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2025) | Viewed by 27166

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Warsaw, Poland
Interests: smart cities; smart villages; international political economy (IPE); information and communication technology (ICT), esp. artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain; innovation-driven growth and development; evidence-driven policy-making; effective government and governance
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Several issues, processes, and developments shape the context in which smart cities and smart villages—and thus, also the corresponding research agenda and policy-making process—pragmatize. The frame for these developments is most profoundly shaped by the imperatives entailed in the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda, in the set of the UN-driven “AI for Good” initiatives, and, in the broader sense, by the global digital transformation that sweeps across diverse issues, levels, and domains of the social reality and the policy-making process.

Against this backdrop, this Special Issue (SI) of Sustainability will focus on the most recent advances in smart cities and smart villages research to encourage, nourish, and promote the development of strategies conducive to smart cities’/villages’ sustainable growth and development in times of the global digital transformation. The key objectives of this SI are (i) to examine how advances in sophisticated information and communication technology (ICT) broaden the range of opportunities to develop sustainable development strategies for smart cities and smart villages at local, regional, and global levels and across issue areas; (ii) to identify the ways, methods, and strategies by means of which a variety of stakeholders (can) engage in the processes of co-creating and making smart cities and smart villages thrive, and how ICT weighs in these processes; (iii) to reflect on and to add to the interpretive lens and explanatory potential that are offered by the existing literature on the subject; (iv) to query whether best practice sharing and specific business and policy strategies might be helpful in boosting smart cities’ and smart villages’ sustainability and development.

Dr. Anna Visvizi
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

  • global digital transformation and smart cities research
  • global digital transformation and smart villages research
  • “AI for good” and smart city/smart village development
  • smart city/villages and the UN’s SDGs
  • ICT and community engagement in smart city/village development
  • ICT and the digital transition of cities/villages into smart city/smart village
  • challenges, caveats and problems relating to smart cities/villages development and functioning
  • smart cities/villages in the era of platform economy
  • smart cities/villages, competitiveness and economic growth
  • ICT and the provision services in smart cities/villages, e.g. healthcare, education, etc.
  • energy communities and smart cities/villages
  • data cooperatives and smart cities/villages
  • smart city strategy and community enegagement
  • smart village and community engagement
  • services provision and community engagement in smart city/village context
  • smart cities/villages in the global south/north contexts

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 822 KiB  
Article
Study on the Relationship Between Digital Inclusion, the Level of the Digital Economy and Rural Household Consumption
by Yapeng Li, Yuzhu Bao and Yilin Wang
Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2405; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062405 - 10 Mar 2025
Viewed by 828
Abstract
It is crucial to expand domestic demand and enhance the driving effect of consumption on economic development in order to achieve sustainable economic growth in China. There is considerable scope for improvement in the consumption level of rural households when compared with that [...] Read more.
It is crucial to expand domestic demand and enhance the driving effect of consumption on economic development in order to achieve sustainable economic growth in China. There is considerable scope for improvement in the consumption level of rural households when compared with that of urban households. This paper employs data from 2104 rural Chinese households to investigate the impact of digital inclusion on rural households’ consumption expenditures and to consider the moderating effect of the development of the digital economy. The findings are intended to provide useful guidance for the promotion of digital inclusion and the growth of rural households’ consumption. The study finds that digital inclusion significantly promotes rural households’ consumption expenditures, particularly for enjoyable consumption. Furthermore, the level of regional digital economic development exerts a positive moderating influence on the impact of digital inclusion on rural households’ consumption. Additionally, there are notable differences in the impact of digital inclusion on the consumption of households with varying levels of assets. Therefore, boosting rural residents’ acceptance and utilization of digital technology, refining the digital financial service system and infrastructure, and providing policy support for the development of digital inclusion can promote sustained growth in rural household consumption in China. Full article
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25 pages, 731 KiB  
Article
Artificial Intelligence for Social Innovation: Beyond the Noise of Algorithms and Datafication
by Igor Calzada
Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8638; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198638 - 6 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 7341
Abstract
In an era of rapid technological advancement, decisions about the ownership and governance of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence will shape the future of both urban and rural environments in the Global North and South. This article explores how AI can move beyond [...] Read more.
In an era of rapid technological advancement, decisions about the ownership and governance of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence will shape the future of both urban and rural environments in the Global North and South. This article explores how AI can move beyond the noise of algorithms by adopting a technological humanistic approach to enable Social Innovation, focusing on global inequalities and digital justice. Using a fieldwork Action Research methodology, based on the Smart Rural Communities project in Colombia and Mozambique, the study develops a framework for integrating AI with SI. Drawing on insights from the AI4SI International Summer School held in Donostia-San Sebastián in 2024, the article examines the role of decentralized Web3 technologies—such as Blockchain, Decentralized Autonomous Organizations, and Data Cooperatives—in enhancing data sovereignty and fostering inclusive and participatory governance. The results demonstrate how decentralization can empower marginalized communities in the Global South by promoting digital justice and addressing the imbalance of power in digital ecosystems. The conclusion emphasizes the potential for AI and decentralized technologies to bridge the digital divide, offering practical recommendations for scaling these innovations to support equitable, community-driven governance and address systemic inequalities across the Global North and South. Full article
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20 pages, 1844 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Smart City Policies on City Innovation—A Quasi-Natural Experiment from the Smart City Pilot Cities in China
by Shuxing Chen, Xu Zhang, Wei Wang, Yunhao Liang, Wei He and Zhixiong Tan
Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8007; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188007 - 13 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1811
Abstract
The smart city pilot plan plays a pivotal role in the modernization of urban development within Digital China. To accelerate economic growth and establish a nation driven by innovation, it is crucial to examine the impact of smart city pilot programs on urban [...] Read more.
The smart city pilot plan plays a pivotal role in the modernization of urban development within Digital China. To accelerate economic growth and establish a nation driven by innovation, it is crucial to examine the impact of smart city pilot programs on urban innovation. This research evaluates the effects of these policies using a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) model. The findings indicate a significant enhancement in innovation levels within cities that participated in China’s smart city pilot program. These results remain robust even after rigorous validity tests. Mechanism testing reveals that the development of smart city pilot cities primarily boosts urban innovation through industrial upgrading and increased informatization. Additionally, heterogeneity tests show that the influence of smart city policies on urban innovation varies according to the geographical characteristics of different cities. Based on these insights, this study provides recommendations to further strengthen urban innovation by optimizing smart city policies. These include crafting differentiated smart city strategies, promoting the digital transformation of cities, and increasing economic support for smart city initiatives. Full article
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37 pages, 3372 KiB  
Article
Challenges and Factors Influencing the Implementation of Green Logistics: A Case Study of Saudi Arabia
by Mashael Khayyat, Mohammed Balfaqih, Hasan Balfaqih and Mahamod Ismail
Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5617; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135617 - 30 Jun 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 9576
Abstract
Logistics operations significantly depend on fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources, posing challenges to environmental sustainability. Achieving a balance between environmental protection and economic efficiency is vital in logistics decision-making. The concept of green logistics aims to reduce environmental externalities by adopting sustainable [...] Read more.
Logistics operations significantly depend on fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources, posing challenges to environmental sustainability. Achieving a balance between environmental protection and economic efficiency is vital in logistics decision-making. The concept of green logistics aims to reduce environmental externalities by adopting sustainable practices. This research explores the adoption and utilization of green logistics technologies and information systems through a structural equation model, focusing on key factors such as environmental awareness, organizational culture, and financial considerations. The research methodology involved using a specially designed questionnaire to collect data, which was subsequently analyzed through various stages. The study selected Saudi Arabia as a case study due to its rapid development in the logistics sector and its significant CO2 emissions. Initially, a general quantitative descriptive analysis was performed on the collected responses. This was followed by more detailed analyses to uncover the finer nuances in stakeholders’ perspectives. Additionally, correlation analysis was conducted to identify significant associations between variables and to understand their potential interactions. The findings reveal high environmental awareness among stakeholders, a positive organizational culture conducive to sustainability practices, and a strong recognition of the benefits of green logistics technologies. However, there is room for improvement in technological readiness and a need for clearer government regulations and more robust policy support. Financial considerations are complex, with significant initial investments required and long-term financial benefits recognized. Full article
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19 pages, 1421 KiB  
Article
Citizens’ Perception of Blockchain-Based E-Voting Systems: Focusing on TAM
by Kamoliddin Murodjon ugli Mannonov and Seunghwan Myeong
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4387; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114387 - 22 May 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4532
Abstract
Digital transformation and new technologies have made people’s lives easier and led to great results in most areas of business and society. Implementing blockchain technology is one of the best tools for establishing sustainable smart cities and societies. In terms of sustainable governance [...] Read more.
Digital transformation and new technologies have made people’s lives easier and led to great results in most areas of business and society. Implementing blockchain technology is one of the best tools for establishing sustainable smart cities and societies. In terms of sustainable governance sophisticated and secure voting systems are necessary to achieve high integrity and transparency and null election fraud, and, in environmental sustainability, e-voting systems eliminate the mass waste of paper and transportation gas emissions; namely, e-voting systems are eco-friendly with high democratic outcomes. Blockchain technology can revolutionize e-voting by increasing the security and transparency of the voting process. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into blockchain-based e-voting systems further augments their effectiveness. AI algorithms can analyze voting patterns and detect irregularities, supporting the prevention of fraudulent activities and coercion. ML procedures can enhance voter authentication processes, improve accessibility for diverse demographics, and optimize the productivity of blockchain networks during peak voting periods. This study focuses on understanding citizen perceptions of blockchain-based e-voting in a smart city context using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study’s results indicate that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness are important factors in determining citizens’ intentions to use blockchain-based e-voting. Furthermore, trust in the technology and perceived security were found to influence the usefulness of blockchain-based e-voting positively. This study provides important insights for policymakers and technologists seeking to promote the adoption of blockchain-based e-voting systems in smart cities. The findings of the research supported the research model with positive results. In conclusion, our research model encourages the adoption of a blockchain-based e-voting system to enhance the future voting environment. Full article
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21 pages, 1093 KiB  
Article
How Do Institutional and Technological Innovations Influence the Smart City Governance? Focused on Stakeholder Satisfaction and Crime Rate
by Syed Asad Abbas Bokhari and Myeong Seunghwan
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4246; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104246 - 17 May 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2174
Abstract
Effective institutional and technological development are key to governance in smart cities. This study investigates the fundamental complexities of institutional and technological innovations in smart cities. A city’s innovation capabilities depend significantly on its technology and implementation capacity. This study suggests that institutional [...] Read more.
Effective institutional and technological development are key to governance in smart cities. This study investigates the fundamental complexities of institutional and technological innovations in smart cities. A city’s innovation capabilities depend significantly on its technology and implementation capacity. This study suggests that institutional and technological innovation serve a role that moderates the relationships between smart city governance, stakeholder satisfaction, and crime rate. Multiple regression models were developed by surveying 496 Pakistani citizens with a questionnaire. Using stakeholders and innovation theories, analyzing the relationships between smart governance, stakeholder satisfaction, and city crime rates reveals a moderating role of institutional and technological innovation. The findings showed that institutional and technological innovations have strengthened the stakeholder satisfaction level while weakening the crime rate in a smart city. Full article
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