Enterprise AI Analysis
Building the Smart City of Tomorrow: A Bibliometric Analysis of Artificial Intelligence in Urbanization
Authors: Erik Karger, Aristide Rothweiler, Tim Brée, Frederik Ahlemann
Journal: Urban Sci. | Publication Date: April 17, 2025
Urbanization is a global trend leading to increasing populations in cities, creating challenges like traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and the need for high living standards. Smart cities use digital technologies, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) offering transformative solutions in mobility, waste management, and energy. This paper provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of AI in smart cities, synthesizing existing knowledge, identifying research themes, and outlining future research directions.
Executive Impact Summary
Deep Analysis & Enterprise Applications
Select a topic to dive deeper, then explore the specific findings from the research, rebuilt as interactive, enterprise-focused modules.
The research field of AI in smart cities has experienced significant growth, particularly since 2017, with a rapid increase in publications. This reflects growing interest and integration of AI in urban development.
AI in smart cities is a highly multidisciplinary field, with Computer Science (33%), Engineering (22%), Mathematics (8%), Social Sciences (6%), Decision Sciences (5%), and Energy (5%) being the primary contributing disciplines, highlighting the need for a holistic approach.
| Discipline | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | 33% |
| Engineering | 22% |
| Mathematics | 8% |
| Social Sciences | 6% |
| Decision Sciences | 5% |
| Energy | 5% |
The bibliometric analysis identified five major thematic clusters: Complementary Technologies & Security, Intelligent Transportation & Smart Mobility, AI-based Energy Efficiency, Computer Vision & Object Detection, and Governance & Urban Planning.
Enterprise Process Flow
Future research should address standardization in smart grids, effective AI/ML approaches for optimization, citizen acceptance of AI, integration of AI with blockchain and digital twins, and AI for disaster management and UAVs.
Addressing Key Future Challenges
- Standardization of big data and communication protocols in smart grids.
- Identifying optimal AI/ML approaches for smart grid performance and energy management (e.g., DRL, federated learning).
- Leveraging behavioral insights and technology acceptance models (UTAUT) to ensure citizen acceptance and engagement with AI solutions.
- Developing effective frameworks for integrating AI with blockchain for secure, transparent urban data management and improving explainability.
- Optimizing AI applications for disaster management (wildfire, flood, earthquake prediction) and UAV operations (privacy, security, path planning).
Quantifiable ROI: AI in Urban Operations
The study suggests that AI integration can lead to significant operational efficiencies and cost savings across various urban sectors. Estimate your potential gains by adjusting the parameters below.
Strategic Implementation Roadmap
Implementing AI in smart cities is a phased process. Our roadmap outlines key stages for successful integration and value realization.
Phase 1: Foundation & Data Strategy
Establish data governance, secure IoT infrastructure, and standardize data collection for AI model training.
Phase 2: Pilot AI Initiatives
Implement pilot AI projects in high-impact areas like traffic management or energy optimization, focusing on explainable AI (XAI).
Phase 3: Integration & Scalability
Integrate AI solutions with existing urban systems and explore blockchain for enhanced security and decentralization.
Phase 4: Governance & Citizen Engagement
Develop ethical AI frameworks, ensure regulatory compliance, and engage citizens in the design and monitoring of AI-driven services.
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