Search Results (124)

Globally, technologically integrated housing solutions are increasingly relevant in addressing the challenges of aging populations and sustainable urban development. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this research investigates how perceptions of usefulness, ease of use, and attitudes influence relocation intention to smart retirement villages (SRVs), while also examining any significant differences between the socio-demographic variables and such intention. A total of 305 individuals aged 55 and above participated in an online survey, with data analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27 and AMOS-SEM version 25. The findings reveal that elderly individuals of Chinese ethnicity, those who are married, and those aged between 66 and 70 are more inclined to relocate to SRVs. Attitude and perceived usefulness significantly predict relocation intention, while perceived ease of use exerts an indirect effect through usefulness. These results highlight the importance of integrating user-centered technological design with socio-cultural and demographic considerations in the development of age-friendly built environments. The study offers insights for urban planners, policymakers, and developers seeking to create inclusive and sustainable smart housing solutions for aging populations. Full article

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are becoming increasingly important for sustainable rural development through the smart village concept. This study aims to model ICT’s potential for public services management in European rural areas. It identifies ICT applications across rural service domains, analyzes how these technologies address specific rural challenges, and evaluates their benefits, implementation barriers, and future prospects for sustainable rural development. A qualitative content analysis method was applied using purposive sampling to analyze 79 peer-reviewed articles from EBSCO and Elsevier databases (2000–2024). A deductive approach employed predefined categories to systematically classify ICT applications across rural public service domains, with data coded according to technology scope, problems addressed, and implementation challenges. The analysis identified 15 ICT application domains (agriculture, healthcare, education, governance, energy, transport, etc.) and 42 key technology categories (Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, digital platforms, mobile applications, etc.). These technologies address four fundamental rural challenges: limited service accessibility, inefficient resource management, demographic pressures, and social exclusion. This study provides the first comprehensive systematic categorization of ICT applications in smart villages, establishing a theoretical framework connecting technology deployment with sustainable development dimensions. Findings demonstrate that successful ICT implementation requires integrated urban–rural cooperation, community-centered approaches, and balanced attention to economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The research identifies persistent challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited digital competencies, and high implementation costs, providing actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners developing ICT-enabled rural development strategies. Full article

The rapid advancement of digital information technology in rural China has positioned smart agro-rural development as a key driver of agricultural modernization. This study focuses on the theme of digital rural construction (DRC) and high-quality agricultural development (HAD), combining the two into smart agriculture and rural development. Utilizing panel data from 31 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2022, a comprehensive evaluation index system is constructed to assess development levels. The entropy weight method and kernel density estimation are employed to evaluate indicator performance and capture dynamic distribution patterns. A coupling coordination model is used to analyze the spatio-temporal evolution of the interaction between the two systems, while a hybrid SD-LSTM (System Dynamics–Long Short-Term Memory) model forecasts coordination trends over the next six years. Results reveal a steady upward trend in both systems, with coordination levels improving from “moderate imbalance” to “moderate coordination.” A distinct spatial pattern emerges, characterized by “high in the east, low in the west” and a mismatch between high coupling and low coordination. Forecasts suggest a continued progression toward “good coordination.” The findings offer policy implications for enhancing digital village initiatives, accelerating rural technological diffusion, and strengthening regional collaboration—providing valuable insights into advancing China’s smart rural transformation and agricultural modernization. Full article

Against the dual backdrop of the “digital countryside” initiative and the development of ecological civilization, the construction of smart green villages has increasingly emerged as a vital pathway for improving rural ecological environment. This study utilizes a three-dimensional framework—including strategic choice, influencing factors, and simulation practice—to construct an evolutionary game model involving the government, enterprises, and villagers. A systematic simulation is conducted based on a field case from Village P in the hilly region of Hunan Province, China. The results of the study reveal the following: (1) Under the combination of high financial incentives, low technical support, and high villager participation, the ecosystem achieves the most stable and positive evolution. Moreover, collaborative governance outperforms unilateral control. (2) Financial support, technological provision, and environmental awareness constitute the three core variables driving the evolution of ecological governance. (3) Cognitive feedback mechanisms significantly influence the dynamic trajectory of green behaviors in enterprises. (4) The simulation results indicate a risk of “sub-stable” divergence in the collaborative mechanism. Furthermore, the stability of the governance system heavily relies on the alignment between policy configuration and information structure. This study offers theoretical support and empirical validation for the institutional design of and strategic interventions for smart green villages, serving as a valuable reference for local-level implementation. Full article

Off-grid and isolated rural communities in developing countries with limited resources require energy supplies for daily residential use and social, economic, and commercial activities. The use of data from space assets and space-based solar power is a feasible solution for addressing ground-based energy insecurity when harnessed in a hybrid manner. Advances in space solar power systems are recognized to be feasible sources of renewable energy. Their usefulness arises due to advances in satellite and space technology, making valuable space data available for smart grid design in these remote areas. In this case study, an isolated village in Namibia, characterized by high levels of solar irradiation and limited wind availability, is identified. Using NASA data, an autonomous hybrid system incorporating a solar photovoltaic array, a wind turbine, storage batteries, and a backup generator is designed. The local load profile, solar irradiation, and wind speed data were employed to ensure an accurate system model. Using HOMER Pro software V 3.14.2 for system simulation, a more advanced AI optimization was performed utilizing Grey Wolf Optimization and Harris Hawks Optimization, which are two metaheuristic algorithms. The results obtained show that the best performance was obtained with the Grey Wolf Optimization algorithm. This method achieved a minimum energy cost of USD 0.268/kWh. This paper presents the results obtained and demonstrates that advanced optimization techniques can enhance both the hybrid system’s financial cost and energy production efficiency, contributing to a sustainable electricity supply regime in this isolated rural community. Full article

As remote and hybrid work models continue to grow, the design of workspaces and their surrounding environments has gained even more importance. This study explores the impact of window design on the restorative potential of Prefabricated Movable Buildings (PMBs) of smart/co-working located in small villages. Using Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR), seven window configurations, varying in size, frame ratio, and number of glass panes, were evaluated. Participants’ sense of presence, defined as the subjective feeling of ‘being there’ in the virtual environment, and perceived restoration, referring mainly to the psychological (attention and emotions) and physiological (stress) resources recovery, were assessed using, respectively, Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ) and the Perceived Restorativeness Scale (PRS). The overall IPQ results suggest that the virtual environment in this study provides a “High” sense of presence, highlighting the validity of IVR to evaluate architectural designs. The PRS results found that larger, uninterrupted windows with a higher Window-to-Wall Ratio and lower Frame Ratio significantly enhance participants’ perceived restoration. Restoration effects were also higher when offices were located in small villages rather than in business districts. These results highlight the importance of incorporating large windows in smart/co-working spaces within culturally rich small villages to promote worker well-being and office sustainability. Full article

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is reshaping diverse domains of human activity, including natural resource management, urban and rural planning, agri-food systems, industry, energy, education, and healthcare. However, the impact of AI on the sustainability of local ecosystems remains insufficiently systematized. This highlights the need for a comprehensive review that considers spatial, sectoral, and socio-economic characteristics of regions, as well as interdisciplinary approaches to sustainable development. This study presents a scoping review of 198 peer-reviewed publications published between 2010 and March 2025, focusing on applied cases of AI deployment in local contexts. Special attention is given to the role of AI in monitoring water, forest, and agricultural ecosystems, facilitating the digital transformation of businesses and territories, assessing ecosystem services, managing energy systems, and supporting educational and social sustainability. The review includes case studies from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, covering a wide range of technologies—from machine learning and digital twins to IoT and large language models. Findings indicate that AI holds significant potential for enhancing the efficiency and adaptability of local systems. Nevertheless, its implementation is accompanied by notable risks, including socio-economic disparities, technological inequality, and institutional limitations. The review concludes by outlining research priorities for the sustainable integration of AI into local ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration and scientific support for regional digital transformations. Full article

This paper supports the idea of agroecology playing an integral role in development ‘smart cities’ and its application in different settlement contexts in South Africa. As alluded to in the People-Centered Smart Cities framework, the application of the smart cities approach can be extended to various settlement contexts. This paper promotes ‘the smart city’ concept in different contexts, including rural and small settlement environments, incorporating agroecology, a paradigm which guides us towards building sustainable and equitable urban environments. This approach can significantly contribute to the improved and more resilient design and development of human settlements. The Preferred Reporting Items for Reviews and Meta-analysis were employed to analyze primary and secondary data sources, thereby formulating descriptive and analytical themes around agroecology and smart cities. This paper utilized 54 articles, offering a robust foundation for the paper’s analysis and discussions. Additionally, the paper underscores the adherence to policy and legislative spaces for smart city strategy-led budgeting. It advocates for robust financial policies and long-term development financial strategies aligned with several the Sustainable Development Goals, but especially SGD 11, which is to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and habitats. The construction of smart campuses, smart rural settlements, and smart school programs is demonstrated by the Centre for Ecological Intelligence at the University of Johannesburg’s food systems hub, the Phumulani rural agrivillage, and the Eastern Cape and Tshwane food security school programs. These showcase projects act as compelling models illustrating how the principles of smart cities can be applied to diverse settlement contexts. Full article

Rural areas face several development challenges. Some lead to rural decline—such as depopulation—and others are intended to counteract this by revitalising the countryside—such as digitalisation. These two processes are on the agenda of the European Union’s new rural development concept, smart villages. The study aims to identify the spatial differentiation of the digitalisation challenge in Polish rural areas. An attempt was made to operationalise two aspects of this challenge—access to fast Internet and digital competence. The subject of the analysis covered rural areas in Poland at the municipal level. The temporal scope of the study is defined by two approaches—static and dynamic. The first aims to show the state of the ‘here and now’, while the second aims to identify the change intensity. Methods of multivariate comparative analysis were used, resulting in hierarchical classifications of municipalities. The results show significant regional differentiation. Municipalities with predominantly ageing populations face greater difficulties in adopting new digital technologies. Overcoming these disparities will be key to improving the quality of life and resilience of rural communities. The study results provide evidence to justify the need for place-based targeted digital investments under the smart villages programmes. Full article

A profound transformation of the entire food system is necessary to achieve sustainable development in the agricultural sector. This pertains to the production, distribution, and consumption of food. In the case of distribution, this transformation involves changes both at the beginning of the chain, namely, in the agricultural structure, and at the final stage, in consumer behaviour. By analysing the existing literature, we identify key areas where the principles of short supply chains can be harmonised with smart village initiatives. The concept of smart villages itself is based on using modern technologies and innovative practices to improve the quality of life in rural areas and support sustainable development. Consequently, as mentioned, one of the critical elements of this concept is the cooperation of farmers for sustainable short supply chain management. This study analysed statistical data from the Central Statistical Office of Poland and unpublished data from the General Veterinary Inspectorate, complemented by desk research on relevant reports, scientific literature, and legal documents concerning local food systems. The study investigates local food systems in the Mazowieckie region, where 9% of Polish entities operating within local food systems are registered. Activity within this framework is characterised by significant spatial diversity across the region. The spatial distribution is mainly related to the location of the raw material base, e.g., the concentration of specialised agricultural production, distance to the sales market (proximity to consumers), and other broadly understood conditions for conducting business activity. The paper highlights the need to transform food systems to support sustainable agricultural development, focusing on short supply chains and smart village initiatives. By examining local food systems in Poland’s Mazowieckie region, it identifies how spatial and resource factors impact local food distribution and rural sustainability. Full article

Adaptation to climate change has remained a major socio-ecological issue in the Northern Region of Cameroon since 1973. Presently, this region is subject to the severe chaos of drought, floods, and ecosystem degradation, causing harm and disrupting climatic patterns. Climate change results in the drying of surface water and crops, threatening food security and the well-being of households. It has a serious impact on the entire agricultural production system at global scale. Here, it is suggested that successive adjustments to deeper systemic and transformational adaptations through efforts from NGOs, the Government, and donors, as well as innovations, are necessary to offset the negative impact of climate change on the agricultural value chain. Therefore, this research aimed to identify adaptation strategies and practices for rural communities and households, who suffer from limited access to these agricultural innovations, for a transformative adaptation. Through surveys and focus group discussions carried out in several villages in the Northern Cameroon Region, this study provides empirical data on emerging agricultural innovations in contrasting socio-economic, agricultural, and ecological contexts. Our findings demonstrate that agricultural innovations fostered at the village level have several characteristics that contribute to adaptation and mitigation of the impact of climate change. To begin with, conservation agriculture is very interesting, because crop residues left on the soil protect it from rainfall and dry winds, and gradually add humus to the top soil. In addition, agroforestry plays an important role for the household regarding ecosystem services, including food supply, soil fertility, protection from erosion, regulation of water regime, and sociocultural value. Generally, heads of households (83%) were more involved in innovative initiatives than other social strata, resulting in unequal access and proximity to agricultural innovations. Furthermore, the results highlight a significant lack of coordination and poor visibility of permanent structures supporting agricultural innovations at local level, weakening the sustainable transformation of adaptation. From a scientific perspective, this study could help build a conceptual relationship between agricultural innovation and sustainability transformation, i.e., a climate-smart agriculture. In practice, it provides levers that can be used to multiply and expedite agricultural innovation processes, water conservation, and livestock sustainability, thus contributing to the sustainability of the whole agricultural system in Cameroon and within the Sahel region of Africa. Full article

Today, historic villages represent a widespread and relevant reality of the Italian administrative structure. To preserve their value for future generations, smart city applications can contribute to implement effective monitoring and decision-making processes devoted to safeguarding their fragile ecosystem. Starting from a situational awareness model, this study proposes a method for designing human-in-the-loop cyber-physical systems that allow the design of monitoring and decision-making applications for historic villages. Both the model and the design method can be used as a reference for the realization of human-in-the-loop cyber-physical systems that consist of human beings, smart objects, edge devices, and cloud components in edge-cloud architectures. The output of the research, consisting of the graphical models for the definition of monitoring architectures and the method for the design of human-in-the-loop cyber-physical systems, was validated in the context of the village of Sant’Agata dei Goti through the implementation of a human-in-the-loop cyber-physical system for monitoring sites aiming at their management, conservation, protection, and fruition. Full article

The smart city concept has entered the public debate over the last decade as a concept for the development of urban space for the efficiency, improvement and availability of public and private services and sustainability. The Business Models Canvas is most often used in the literature for the creation of business models of smart services. On the basis of the above, we investigated whether the Business Models Canvas is the most used tool for creating business models for public smart services in Slovakia and whether cities and municipalities need to evaluate their models for the provision of public smart services. However, there is no commonly used methodology for evaluating smart city business models to help both practitioners and researchers choose the best option. The goal of the research is to create a tool for evaluating business models of public smart services in smart cities. The base method used was the Delphi method, based on the previous primary (content) analysis process of the Business Model Canvas best practices. In total, 709 towns and villages participated in the primary research. Subsequently, the obtained data were evaluated and used for further research using the Delphi method, in which 28 experts participated. The research was carried out between 2020 and 2023 in Slovakia. Primary research confirmed that the Business Models Canvas is the most used tool for creating business models for public smart services in Slovakia and cities and municipalities need to evaluate their models for the provision of public smart services. Areas and basic building blocks were also identified for the design of the evaluation methodology of business models for public smart services. The proposal of the methodology for evaluating business smodels for public smart services in Slovakia was implemented using the Delphi method with the cooperation of 28 experts. Based on the results of the Delphi method, a methodological procedure for evaluating business models for public smart services was established. The methodology proposed in the paper is a simple, organized, flexible and transparent system that facilitates the work of evaluators of business models of public smart services and marketing. Full article

In recent years, sustainability as a concept has become the subject of several scientific debates. Along with the smart city trend, emphasis is also being placed on the sustainability of cities and towns, yet there is a research gap for smaller municipalities where there is no current scope for increasing the level of digitization or implementing smart city practices. Sustainability here has to be achieved differently, in particular through communication and transparency. This issue is addressed in the present research, which examines 116 Slovak municipalities, as well as their strategic documents and online communication with citizens, using a content analysis method. The study aims to provide knowledge about the functioning of online communication in Slovak local governments by answering seven research questions. These are linked to two research hypotheses, which are also evaluated using a statistical test. One of the main findings is that the overall sustainability work in a local government is dependent on its size. Thus, larger local governments are more likely to implement sustainability. It was also found that larger villages and towns use term sustainability more actively in their strategies than the smaller ones. Additionally, more information channels do not always mean better informing about plans and strategies connected to sustainability in local governments. This paper presents the findings from our research, which can contribute to the field of local government research and management by broadening the view on smaller villages and their functioning in terms of online communication with inhabitants. Full article

This study reports on the application of an innovative plastering system that reuses organic waste, namely spent coffee grounds (SCG), to improve energy efficiency in historical buildings according to the European Green Deal. The case study was conducted in the village of Polizzi Generosa, selected from 21 small villages located in the extensive UNESCO Geopark of Madonie Park in Sicily. Over time, traditional plasters used in Madonie buildings have shown durability issues due to thermal and hygrometric stresses caused by significant temperature fluctuations in the area. Moreover, much of the considered architectural heritage lacks energy efficiency. Given the global increase in coffee production and the need for more sustainable waste management systems, this investigation proposes an ecological method to reuse SCG in plaster formulation, thereby enhancing the circular economy. To achieve this, many thermoplaster formulations were developed, and the best-performing one, considering both material and aesthetic compatibility with historical buildings, was selected for a real-world application. Additionally, virtual modeling and energy simulations were conducted to test the energy performance of a traditional building in Polizzi Generosa using SCG-based thermoplaster in comparison to traditional lime mortar and commercial alternatives. The real-world application demonstrated the technical feasibility of the process, and the energy simulations showed an improved building masonry energy performance of 0.788 W/m²K and an 11% improvement compared to traditional plaster. Results clearly indicate that SCG can be successfully reused to produce eco-friendly bio composite plasters, providing a more sustainable housing option. This approach offers a durable and cost-effective alternative for housing solutions that meet regulatory requirements for energy efficiency, serving as a smart, highly sustainable, and long-lasting choice for the construction sector. Finally, this result supports the research goal of transforming the 21 municipalities of Madonie into smart and green villages, with the “Smart Coffee-House” exemplifying intelligent rehabilitation processes of existing heritage buildings. Full article