THE KEY FACTORS FOR A SUSTAINABLE SMART CITY – A CASE STUDY OF 22 INTERNATIONAL SMART MUNICIPALITIES

Authors

  • Vlad-Tudor TRINCĂ Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Babeș-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca, https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5188-0607
  • Roxana STEGEREAN Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Babeș-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca, roxana.stegerean@econ.ubbcluj.ro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0758-2993
  • Anamaria PETRE Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Babeș-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca, anamaria.petre@econ.ubbcluj.ro https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6665-2401
  • Răzvan Liviu NISTOR Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Babeș-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca, razvan.nistor@econ.ubbcluj.ro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3897-3946

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24193/subbnegotia.2025.1.02

Keywords:

smart city, digitalization, sustainability, sustainable development

Abstract

Article History: Received: 20 January 2025; Reviewed: 24 February 2025;
Accepted:
10 March 2025; Available online: 26 March 2025.

This article examines the core components and global initiatives driving smart city development, focusing on sustainability and safety & health. Drawing insights from literature and case studies of 22 international smart cities, the main objective of the research is to identify key projects shaping Smart Environment/ Sustainability and Smart Living/ Safety & Health. Notable examples include Tel Aviv-Yafo’s solar roof and Dubai’s Smart Healthcare Model.

The findings emphasize a global commitment to citizen-centric, environmentally conscious urban environments, showcasing diverse approaches and technological innovations. The article offers actionable insights for aspiring smart cities, emphasizing a phased, collaborative approach and technological integration. Key observations include the global movement towards sustainability, diverse smart city initiatives, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration. The presented model serves as a blueprint for cities, addressing specific steps like assessment, goal setting, and learning from global best practices. Beyond current practices, the article suggests future research directions, including assessing long-term impacts, addressing privacy concerns, and exploring governance models. The article advocates ongoing research to guide policymakers in the dynamic landscape of smart cities, promoting sustainability and innovation.

JEL classification: O38, H11, I18, Q58

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2025-03-26

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TRINCĂ, V.-T., STEGEREAN, R., PETRE, A., & NISTOR, R. L. (2025). THE KEY FACTORS FOR A SUSTAINABLE SMART CITY – A CASE STUDY OF 22 INTERNATIONAL SMART MUNICIPALITIES. Studia Universitatis Babeș-Bolyai Negotia, 70(1), 27–59. https://doi.org/10.24193/subbnegotia.2025.1.02

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