Our research hub envisions a smart city as an urban ecosystem—an interconnected system of systems—operating through sustainable and balanced economic, social, environmental, and governance practices. Enabled by appropriate technologies, such cities strive to generate equitable and desirable outcomes for both people and the planet. Accordingly, our research addresses all core dimensions of smart cities—economy, society, environment, governance, and technology—with a particular emphasis on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in advancing these domains.
Economy Dimension of AI for Smart Cities
Our research on the economic dimension of AI in smart cities explores how knowledge-based urban development can drive productivity, innovation, and sustainable prosperity for cities and their residents. We investigate how AI can strengthen innovation ecosystems, enhance competitiveness, and support inclusive economic growth through intelligent planning and governance.
Key research topics under this theme include, but are not limited to:
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Circular economy and resource efficiency
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Innovation ecosystems and digital entrepreneurship
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Knowledge and innovation economies
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Knowledge and innovation spaces
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Knowledge industries, businesses, and workers
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Knowledge-based urban and regional development
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Place-making, city branding, and creative economies
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Urban and regional innovation systems
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Societal Dimension of AI for Smart Cities
Our research on the societal dimension of AI in smart cities focuses on promoting equity, liveability, and wellbeing to achieve positive outcomes for cities and their residents. We examine how AI and digital technologies can support inclusive, participatory, and resilient communities while addressing social challenges and fostering human potential.
Key research topics under this theme include, but are not limited to:
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Community planning and participatory governance
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Bridging the digital and technology divide
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Knowledge society development
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Public participation and civic engagement
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Right to the city and inclusive urban access
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Smart communities and social innovation
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Social, human, and intellectual capital
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Technology forecasting and societal change
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Environmental Dimension of AI for Smart Cities
Our research on the environmental dimension of AI in smart cities focuses on promoting sustainable urban development to achieve positive environmental outcomes for cities and their residents. We explore how AI can support resource efficiency, climate resilience, and environmentally responsible urban planning and management.
Key research topics under this theme include, but are not limited to:
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Sustainable urban and infrastructure development
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Sustainable transport systems
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Urban and environmental sustainability assessment
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Water-sensitive urban design
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Sustainable engineering and zero-waste solutions
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Climate emergency preparedness and mitigation
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Urban heat island effect and mitigation strategies
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Post-Anthropocentric urbanism and nature-inclusive design
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Governance Dimension of AI for Smart Cities
Our research on the governance dimension of AI in smart cities focuses on promoting good governance and strategic planning to achieve effective institutional outcomes for cities and their residents. We investigate how AI can enhance decision-making, accountability, and adaptive governance in complex urban environments.
Key research topics under this theme include, but are not limited to:
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Accountability and transparency in urban projects
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Bootstrapping urban planning processes
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Regulation of disruptive technologies
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Science, technology, and innovation policy
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Smart city planning and management
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Smart governance frameworks
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Smart urban governance strategies
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Urban living labs and experimentation platforms
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Technology Dimension of AI for Smart Cities
Our research on the technology dimension of AI in smart cities focuses on advancing technological innovation to deliver effective tools, platforms, and solutions that enhance urban life for cities and their residents. We explore how emerging technologies can enable smarter, more efficient, and responsive urban systems.
Key research topics under this theme include, but are not limited to:
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Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications
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GeoAI technologies for urban systems
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Citizen science initiatives
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Gamification and gamified urban applications
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Green information systems and sustainable ICT
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Smart mobility solutions including autonomous vehicles, mobility-as-a-service
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Smart urban technologies and IoT platforms
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Urban informatics and data-driven decision-making
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