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Exploring the Role of Industry 4.0 Technologies in Smart City Evolution: A Literature-Based Study

Author

Listed:
  • Nataliia Boichuk

    (Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics, University of Opole, 45-058 Opole, Poland)

  • Iwona Pisz

    (Department of Marketing and Supply Chains Management, Faculty of Economics, University of Opole, 45-058 Opole, Poland)

  • Anna Bruska

    (Department of Marketing and Supply Chains Management, Faculty of Economics, University of Opole, 45-058 Opole, Poland)

  • Sabina Kauf

    (Department of Marketing and Supply Chains Management, Faculty of Economics, University of Opole, 45-058 Opole, Poland)

  • Sabina Wyrwich-Płotka

    (Department of Marketing and Supply Chains Management, Faculty of Economics, University of Opole, 45-058 Opole, Poland)

Abstract

Smart cities are technologically advanced urban environments where interconnected systems and data-driven technologies enhance public service delivery and quality of life. These cities rely on information and communication technologies, the Internet of Things, big data, cloud computing, and other Industry 4.0 tools to support efficient city management and foster citizen engagement. Often referred to as digital cities, they integrate intelligent infrastructures and real-time data analytics to improve mobility, security, and sustainability. Ubiquitous sensors, paired with Artificial Intelligence, enable cities to monitor infrastructure, respond to residents’ needs, and optimize urban conditions dynamically. Given the increasing significance of Industry 4.0 in urban development, this study adopts a bibliometric approach to systematically review the application of these technologies within smart cities. Utilizing major academic databases such as Scopus and Web of Science the research aims to identify the primary Industry 4.0 technologies implemented in smart cities, assess their impact on infrastructure, economic systems, and urban communities, and explore the challenges and benefits associated with their integration. The bibliometric analysis included publications from 2016 to 2023, since the emergence of urban researchers’ interest in the technologies of the new industrial revolution. The task is to contribute to a deeper understanding of how smart cities evolve through the adoption of advanced technological frameworks. Research indicates that IoT and AI are the most commonly used tools in urban spaces, particularly in smart mobility and smart environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Nataliia Boichuk & Iwona Pisz & Anna Bruska & Sabina Kauf & Sabina Wyrwich-Płotka, 2025. "Exploring the Role of Industry 4.0 Technologies in Smart City Evolution: A Literature-Based Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-23, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:7024-:d:1716199
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zaheer Allam & Simon Elias Bibri & David Jones & Didier Chabaud & Carlos Moreno, 2022. "Unpacking the ‘15-Minute City’ via 6G, IoT, and Digital Twins: Towards a New Narrative for Increasing Urban Efficiency, Resilience, and Sustainability," Post-Print hal-03997414, HAL.
    2. Dominique Lepore & Niccolò Testi & Edna Pasher, 2023. "Building Inclusive Smart Cities through Innovation Intermediaries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-19, February.
    3. Alina Mihaela Dima & Maria Alexandra Maassen, 2021. "Strategic Issues of the Current Context of Smart Cities and the Industry 4.0. Case Study: Trends on the Romanian Market," Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organization, in: Concetta Metallo & Maria Ferrara & Alessandra Lazazzara & Stefano Za (ed.), Digital Transformation and Human Behavior, pages 343-352, Springer.
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