New Insights into the Research Landscape on the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Sustainable Smart Cities: A Bibliometric Mapping and Network Analysis Approach

Abstract

Humanity’s quest for safe, resilient, and liveable cities has prompted research into the application of computational tools in the design and development of sustainable smart cities. Thus, the application of artificial intelligence in sustainable smart cities (AISC) has become an important research field with numerous publications, citations, and collaborations. However, scholarly works on publication trends and the research landscape on AISC remain lacking. Therefore, this paper examines the current status and future directions of AISC research. The PRISMA approach was selected to identify, screen, and analyse 1,982 publications on AISC from Scopus between 2011 and 2022. Results showed that the number of publications and citations rose from 2 to 470 and 157 to 1,540, respectively. Stakeholder productivity analysis showed that the most prolific author and affiliation are Tan Yigitcanlar (10 publications and 518 citations) and King Abdulaziz University (23 publications and 793 citations), respectively. Productivity was attributed to national interests, research priorities, and national or international funding. The largest funder of AISC research is the National Natural Science Foundation of China (126 publications or 6.357 percent of the total publications). Keyword co-occurrence and cluster analyses revealed 6 research hotspots on AISC: digital innovation and technologies; digital infrastructure and intelligent data systems; cognitive computing; smart sustainability; smart energy efficiency; nexus among artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, data analytics and smart cities. Future research would likely focus on the socio-economic, ethical, policy, and technical aspects of the topic. It is envisaged that global scientific interest in AISC research and relevant publications, citations, products, and services will continue to rise in the future.

The synergistic interplay of artificial intelligence and digital twin in environmentally planning sustainable smart cities: A comprehensive systematic review

“…Sustainable smart cities exemplify the integration of technological advancements and environmental strategies, leveraging AI and AIoT solutions for renewable energy, energy conservation, water resource management, waste management, sustainable transportation, pollution control, climate change mitigation, and intelligent infrastructure [ 7 , 8 ]. Numerous studies have explored the roles of not only AI and AIoT but also UDT in advancing environmental sustainability through innovative approaches to planning and management in sustainable smart cities [ [7] , [8] , [22] , [23] , [24] , [27] , [28] , [52] ].…”

“…AI encompasses a wide variety of models and technologies, including ML, DL, CV, NLP, Evolutionary Computing (EC), and robotics. These models have been applied to various urban planning and design functions [ [1] , [2] , [3] , [4] , [5] , [6] ] in the context of environmental sustainability in sustainable smart cities [ 7 , 8 , 21 , 22 , [24] , [27] , [66] , [67] ]. The integration of AI technologies into urban planning and design processes underscores the pivotal role of AI in advancing the development of sustainable smart cities.…”

“…[ 7 ] for a bibliometric analysis). They particularly highlight the crucial contributions of AI and AIoT in enhancing operational efficiency mechanisms and strategic planning methods [ 8 , 19 , 21 , 22 , 24 , 27 , 104 , 105 ]. In light of this, the conventional approaches to urban planning, which have long grappled with the dynamic properties and behaviors of complex systems [ [78] , [79] , [80] , [81] ], have served as a fertile ground and significant opportunity for the integration of AI and AIoT to deepen our understanding of the complexities inherent in urban environments.…”

“…The systematic review represents a significant advancement in research and practice by addressing a conspicuous gap in the existing literature. While prior review studies on sustainable smart cities have predominantly focused on isolated components such as AI [ [22] , [23] , [24] ], AIoT [ 7 , 8 ], and UDT [ 28 , 208 ], they have often overlooked the convergence of these technological elements and its significant impact on data-driven environmental urban planning. To put it differently, the intersection of advanced technologies and collaborative models in the context of sustainable smart cities has received limited attention regarding their data-driven approaches to environmental planning.…”

“…Sustainable smart cities are increasingly embracing and leveraging AI and AIoT technologies [ 7 , 19 , [21] , [22] , [23] , [24] ], represent dynamic ecosystems that demands a fundamental reevaluation of their current planning approaches to tackle complex environmental challenges. The ongoing transformation of sustainable smart cities highlights the imperative for a profound shift in understanding and planning urban environments.…”