Exploring the Balance between Smartness and Sustainability in Finnish Smart City Initiatives during the 2010s ()
ABSTRACT
In the era of rapid urbanisation, technological
development, and climate change, there is an urgent need for urban sustainability. However, the
globally widespread concept of a smart city has not delivered on its promise of
improving sustainability with urban technology. Therefore, more knowledge on how current smart city initiatives are related to
sustainable urban development is required. This study focuses on analysing the
aims of Finnish smart city initiatives during the 2010s. We conducted a
systematic review to gain a more detailed
overview of the relations between smart city development and sustainable
development. Our data gathering method was the convenience sampling method, and with data analysis, we
used descriptive statistics and deductive content analysis methods. Results
reveal the emphasis on smart governance and mobility
issues in smart city initiatives. Also, sustainable development is largely
dominated by perspectives of economic sustainability. To create more balance within
smart and sustainable urban development, we need actions to include other
aspects than only mobility and governmental domains of smartness or general sustainability objectives in urban development.
Share and Cite:
Vainio, T. and Sankala, I. (2022) Exploring the Balance between Smartness and Sustainability in Finnish Smart City Initiatives during the 2010s.
Current Urban Studies,
10, 405-425. doi:
10.4236/cus.2022.103024.