SMART CITY CONCEPT AS AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO ENSURING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TERRITORIES: INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND PROSPECTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The paper considers the study of the Smart City concept as an innovative approach to ensuring sustainable development of territories in the context of urbanization challenges. The article focuses on the need to integrate digital technologies, the Internet of Things, big data, and artificial intelligence to optimize resource management, increase environmental sustainability, and improve the quality of life of citizens.

The international experience of the leaders in the Smart City ranking, such as London, New York, Amsterdam, Paris and Reykjavik, has been considered, and the key success aspects shaping the concept of a “smart city” have been identified, namely: 1) integration of technologies: automation of transport systems, development of the Internet of Things (IoT), introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time data analysis; 2) environmental sustainability: energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy sources, promotion of eco-friendly transport; 3) mobility: the development of bicycle infrastructure, contactless payment in public transport, the optimization of routes; 4) citizen participation: interactive governance (electronic petitions, contact centers), e-governance; 5) social cohesion: inclusiveness of programs aimed at meeting the needs of different social groups; 6) human capital (a large number of business schools and universities). It has been established that these approaches ensure a high quality of life and efficient resource utilization. The main aspects of the implementation of the concept in Ukraine have been outlined, including financial constraints, technological readiness, the need to modernize infrastructure and increase digital literacy. The tools and approaches for the Smart City concept implementation, such as public-private partnerships, the development of a national platform of digital services, integration of intelligent transport systems as well as the implementation of environmental and social initiatives have been suggested.

The conclusions of the article emphasize the strategic importance of implementing the smart city concept to solve social, environmental and economic problems, particularly in Ukraine.