Mapping the Intellectual and Thematic Structure of Smart Cities and Sustainable Development: A Scientometric Analysis (2015 – 2018)
Abstract
Background: The convergence of digital innovation and sustainable urban development has become a central theme in contemporary urban discourse. Smart cities are increasingly seen as strategic responses to urbanization challenges, warranting a systematic understanding of the evolving research landscape. This study aims to map the intellectual and thematic development of scholarly work at the intersection of smart cities and sustainable development.
Methods: A scientometric analysis was conducted on publications from 2015 to 2018, with scientometric data retrieved from the Scopus database. Data were processed using Biblioshiny, the graphical interface of the Bibliometrix R-package. The analysis focused on key performance indicators including annual scientific production, citation metrics, leading source journals, most globally cited documents, and thematic structures derived from keyword co-occurrence and multiple correspondence analysis.
Results: A total of 2,998 peer-reviewed publications were analyzed. The findings indicate a steady increase in scientific output, demonstrating heightened scholarly and policy interest in the field. Core publications are concentrated in interdisciplinary journals covering sustainability science, information technology, and urban studies. Frequently cited articles emphasize enabling technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and 5G networks. Thematic mapping revealed four dominant research clusters: sustainability, urban governance, smart infrastructure, and environmental monitoring—signaling a shift from conceptual exploration toward practical implementation and equity-oriented outcomes.
Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the knowledge structure and trajectory of research on smart cities and sustainable development. The observed thematic maturation and increasing policy relevance suggest a dynamic and interdisciplinary field with growing impact. These insights can inform future academic inquiries, strategic policymaking, and the design of inclusive, tech-driven urban solutions.
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