Advancements and potential pitfalls for smart cities and sentient infrastructures

Autorzy Fan X.; Jiang Y.; Zhong R.; Duarte F.; Qiu W.; Hackl J.; Skibniewski M.
Tytuł Advancements and potential pitfalls for smart cities and sentient infrastructures
Czasopismo Digital Engineering
Rok 2025
Status Published
DOI 10.1016/j.dte.2025.100036
Abstrakt <p>As urban areas struggle with increasing challenges related to population growth, climate change, the built environment, and public well-being, the concept of smart cities has emerged as a transformative solution. A smart city refers to the seamless integration of advanced information and communication technologies (ICT) with existing urban infrastructure to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life, thereby reshaping the future of urban living [2]. Originating in the early 2000s with a focus on \textquotedbllefttop-down\textquotedblright technology deployment [9], the practice has evolved owing to the rapid growth of digital infrastructure-such as broadband networks, smart sensors, and open data platforms, which has enabled cities to become dynamic environments that foster real-time decision-making and community participation [6]. Contemporary smart city initiatives increasingly recognize the importance of \textquotedblleftbottom-up\textquotedblright innovation, where residents actively contribute to the design and improvement of urban services [17]. This evolution reflects a shift towards emphasizing connectivity, citizen engagement, and a more human-centric approach to urban challenges. The collaborative, living-lab approach positions citizens as agents of change, making cities more adaptive and responsive to evolving needs. Despite these advancements, the development of smart cities still involves several challenges. Beyond technological deployments, ethical issues such as privacy, data security, and equitable access to technology are critical hurdles that must be addressed [1]. Moreover, the growing complexity of managing interconnected urban systems demands innovative governance frameworks that ensure interoperability while balancing technological progress with inclusiveness and sustainability. Ultimately, the success of smart cities will depend on the ability to create resilient, data-driven communities that empower their residents and prioritize both human well-being and environmental stewardship</p>