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.