Smart Development of Cities: Ukrainian Experience, Trends and Prospects

Since the emergence of smart cities, this issue has become very relevant in scientific research. The essence, structure, and evolution of smart cities are studied by Giffinger et al. [5]; Greenfield [6]; Kumar and Bharat [7]; Pozdniakova [8] and many others. Giffinger [9] has been researching the understandings of the Smart City, its evolution, and its meaning for sustainable and resilient urban development. Greenfield [6] emphasizes a broad approach to understanding the smart city, one that takes into account the complex, interconnected, imperfect, and very human realities of urban existence [10]. Sterling [11] and Pikulski [12] share the same opinion. Indian researchers led by Kumar and Bharat [7] are conducting in-depth research into the nature and structure of the smart city phenomenon.

A topical issue in scientific research is the analysis of the factors contributing to the success of smart cities. Thus, Lombardi et al. [13] analyze the interrelations between smart city components connecting the cornerstones of the triple helix. Nam and Pardo [14] offer strategic principles aligning with the three main dimensions (technology, people, and institutions) of smart city: integration of infrastructures and technology-mediated services, social learning for strengthening human infrastructure, and governance for institutional improvement and citizen engagement. Sureshchandra et al. [15] systematize key success factors of smart cities based on literature analysis the scientific publications. Many researchers focus on studying the role of the technological component in implementing the concept of a smart city [8, 16].

In the 2020s, the spread of the latest digital technologies is gaining momentum, with big data analytics and artificial intelligence bringing new opportunities. The dynamic integration of digital technologies into urban life is driving the further development of smart cities, which is the subject of research in many works. Smart cities are studied through the prism of systems thinking and complex systems by Ammara et al. [17], defining them as “complex adaptive systems in which there is a high degree of interdependence and interaction between different stakeholders, components, and subsystems.” He explores the evolution of the concept of smart cities, considering them a utopia, a brilliant image of the city of the future. Boulanger [18] deepens the understanding of smart city discourse [19]. He is also working on defining smart cities, their advantages, disadvantages, implementation challenges, financing, implementation methods, quantitative analysis methods, and prioritization indicators [20]. Mupfumira et al. [21] analyze the main elements of a smart city structure, perform a SWOT analysis of existing structures, and identify four categories: human-centered, technology-centered, integrated human-technology-centered, and environmentally-oriented structures. Ziosi et al. [22] examine definitions related to the concept of smart cities and identify the ethical implications of smart cities.

There is a growing number of works devoted to assessing the effectiveness of smart cities. For example, Lacson et al. [23] systematize literature on smart city assessment (SCA), especially in the context of developing countries. А. Samarakkody et al. [24] raise the question of the criteria for “smart” cities, emphasizing that the characteristics of a smart city (smartness requirements) are vague, and different smart cities develop their own criteria for smartness. Shi and Shi [25] conduct a comprehensive analysis and comparative assessment of 33 recently introduced or withdrawn assessment systems.

da Silva Tomadon et al. [26] conduct a bibliometric review of literature on smart city and sustainable development (SSCI) indicators from 2015 to 2022. The study shows a sharp increase in publications (by 288% from 2015 to 2022) and confirms China's leading position.

One of the most pressing issues in scientific research in the field of smart cities is the study of the changes and opportunities brought about by the latest technologies. Karri et al. [27] characterize five key technologies for smart and/or safe cities (intelligent traffic management systems, information and communication technologies, blockchain technology, re-identification, and the Internet of Things). The issue of improving the sustainability, fairness, and performance of transport systems is explored by Khanmohammadi and Guerrieri [28]. Kim et al. [29] explore next-generation, sixth-generation (6G) communication systems that will play a crucial role in improving the efficiency of urban operations and services (non-terrestrial networks, advanced mobile edge computing, vision-based wireless communication, artificial intelligence (AI)-based wireless communication, and integrated sensing and communication), key technical challenges, and potential benefits.

The impact of artificial intelligence on the development of the digital community and its capabilities in identifying and predicting the needs of individuals and population groups, as well as in developing plans for the effective use of municipal resources [30]. Okonta and Vukovic [31] explore how ICT integration can contribute to sustainable urban development and improve citizens' quality of life. Qayyum et al. [32] explore the integration of energy management systems into smart residential buildings, which serve as key nodes in a smart city network. Szpilko et al. [33] emphasize the importance of technologies that can improve energy efficiency in cities, contributing to their sustainable development (smart energy networks, energy storage, integration of renewable energy sources, Internet of Things, 5G/6G, artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital twins).

Scientific views on smart-oriented development and partnership between business and local governments consider a large number of theoretical aspects and practical implementation, however, Ukraine is in conditions of active military operations and, accordingly, needs rapid mechanisms for the restoration of economic activity and the search for methods of active cooperation and the development of public-private partnership. Analyzing scientific works, key criteria for assessing the activities of smart cities were identified and based on this, a questionnaire was constructed, the main purpose of which was to determine the potential and prospects for post-war urban reconstruction.

Thus, the issue of smart cities is being studied in many aspects and very broadly, which confirms its relevance. The phenomenon of smart cities is developing rapidly, providing many examples of successful implementation in various aspects. This leaves many questions for further research concerning the success of smart cities, the interaction of partners in the urban environment, the application of the latest ICT, etc.

Choosing the path of smart development for each city begins with specific decisions on the more active use of digital technologies to solve sustainable urban development problems. Global experience shows that there is no single standard approach to the formation of smart cities, the stages of its development, sectors or the choice of technologies. Nevertheless, the most common initiatives are the following: electronic management of public utilities, intelligent transport systems, air and water quality monitoring systems, e-government, video surveillance and security, and many others. This is confirmed by a sociological survey in Ukrainian cities on the main directions of smart city development and its key components. Thus, in various cities of Ukraine, digital services for citizens, security and video surveillance systems, and infrastructure for electric transport have become the most widespread (Figure 1). These main areas were detailed in more specific solutions and presented to cities to answer the question ‘Which components of a smart city have already been implemented in your city?’ (It was necessary to select 5 from the proposed list.)

Figure 1. Most common smart technologies implemented in Ukrainian cities, 2025

The results show that more than half of all cities have implemented digital services for the population (53.2%), video surveillance systems (45.9%), charging stations for electric transport (34.2%), electronic tickets (28.8%), smart lighting (25.2%), and electronic utility management (25.2%). Ukrainian smart cities are currently focusing primarily on the implementation of basic digital services, such as electronic services for citizens, an automated e-ticket system for public transport, and video surveillance networks aimed at ensuring security. Particular attention is also being paid to the development of electric transport infrastructure, which has the potential to reduce emissions and promote efficient mobility.

It should be noted that the areas that will actually determine the future of smart cities remain on the periphery of attention for now. These include energy sustainability, waste management, the introduction of green technologies, and the development of smart grid systems to optimise energy consumption. Despite the importance of these areas, the key priority today remains ensuring digital security and improving the level of comfort for city residents. This reflects the pressing tasks of local administrations, but there is a noticeable trend towards a gap between local initiatives and global trends. In global practice, the focus is increasingly shifting to aspects such as energy efficiency, climate neutrality and the creation of sustainable urbanisation systems that respond to the challenges of the current environmental crisis.

In-depth interviews confirm these trends with real examples of digital transformation of the urban environment, particularly in the areas of transport, medicine, energy, security, ecology, and public participation. Most of the solutions have already been implemented or are in the process of being implemented in cooperation with international partners. For example, Zaporizhia has introduced electronic accounting and GPS tracking of public transport, allowing residents to track routes in real time. Many responses mention electronic medical records, online doctor appointment systems and electronic queues, which indicates the deep penetration of digital services into the healthcare sector. However, it should be noted that healthcare initiatives are nationwide. Vinnytsia has charging stations for electric transport and solar-powered traffic lights as elements of sustainable urban energy. In 2024, the city also began cooperating with the Swedish WM4U project in the field of waste management. There are plans to create a cluster model of waste management, transferring the experience of Stockholm. Informants emphasise that city residents have access to electronic petitions, opportunities to influence through online participation tools, and public control over the budget.

An analysis of the development of smart technologies in cities in terms of priorities indicates that digital services and citizen involvement in governance are the most developed, with these areas predominating in small cities. Large cities are characterised by video surveillance systems, charging stations for electric transport, energy-efficient buildings, waste sorting, real-time water and air quality sensors, electronic parking, etc. For cities with a population of up to 10,000, the priorities are: digital services for citizens (56.25%), citizen participation in urban development management (18.75%) and smart lighting (18.75%). For cities with a population of 10,000 to 50,000, the priorities are digital services for citizens (48.15%), waste sorting (33.33%) and citizen participation in urban development management (33.33%). In cities with a population of 50,000 to 100,000, the priorities were: video surveillance systems (80%), waste sorting (60%), digital services for citizens (40.0%), and citizen participation in urban development management (40.0%). In cities with a population of 100,000 to 200,000, the priorities were charging stations for electric transport, energy-efficient buildings, waste sorting, and real-time water and air quality sensors (66.67%) (Table 1).

Table 1. Key priorities for the development of smart technologies in cities, depending on population size, %, 2025

Thus, it can be seen that as cities grow, so do the opportunities for implementing more intelligent and advanced smart city tools. Overall, we can note the significant potential for the development of smart cities. At the same time, additional efforts are needed to implement intelligent transport systems and energy networks, electric transport (car-sharing services), autonomous (green) energy supply systems, the spread of energy-efficient buildings, smart waste management and sorting systems, security and monitoring systems, real-time water and air quality sensors, etc.

The next important question is what cities are planning, what technologies and directions they see as promising for themselves. Based on the survey, the following most promising areas for the development of smart cities were identified: energy-efficient construction, waste management, etc. (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Promising areas for the development of smart cities in Ukraine, 2025

Ukraine is actively focusing its efforts on implementing energy-efficient technologies and environmentally friendly approaches, covering a wide range of solutions: from modernising buildings and waste collection and processing systems to strengthening the role of renewable energy. These areas define the fundamental aspects of the smart city concept, enabling the creation of a more comfortable and environmentally responsible urban environment. The digitalisation of services and security remains important components, but their perception has now shifted towards basic elements of development, where they are no longer considered innovations, but rather standards of modern urban life. This rethinking makes it possible to focus on less developed areas, such as smart grids, transparent management of city finances through online budgets, and car sharing, which have significant potential and meet the high requirements of European standards for sustainable urban development.

Among the identified resources that can contribute to urban development and the implementation of economic recovery projects, experts highlight three key types of resources without which the implementation of reconstruction and economic initiatives will be difficult. Financial and export resources are considered the most influential, as the need for investment remains an unavoidable condition for launching new economic projects. The second most important resource is the availability of appropriate human resources, both professionals capable of leading projects in the fields of culture, architecture and tourism, and workers requiring specialist skills, such as fitters, electricians, operators, etc. Thirdly, the need for political support and communication was mentioned. Respondents emphasise the importance of state policy, the availability of state orders and strategic interaction with the central government and international donors. Effective promotion of the city's interests and ‘soft lobbying’ play an important role in this. Thus, the economic revival of the city requires not only financial injections, but also systematic strengthening of human resources and institutional cooperation, which allows for integration into state and international reconstruction processes.

One way to overcome difficulties and promote economic development is to involve the public in the activities of government bodies, given the importance of transparent communication, which requires the development of effective tools for civic participation and motivational mechanisms for business as the main ways to actively involve various social groups in the reconstruction process. It has been noted that only clear public information about projects and results can make people feel involved. In this context, public discussions, surveys, public hearings, and regular updates for residents about city plans and projects are proposed.

It is also important to create special conditions for business, including preferential taxation and guaranteed access to young personnel, which is not only financial but also systemic support at the recovery stage. It should be noted that all respondents emphasise that without honest and active communication, neither businesses nor citizens will feel like they are part of the reconstruction process. In this context, it should be noted that effective involvement in reconstruction requires systematic, transparent communication, the restoration of participation tools and the stimulation of business through specific support mechanisms.

There is a need for flexible government programmes that stimulate the development of clusters and support industrial parks, but do not hinder local initiatives with excessive regulation, reporting and bureaucracy. There are requests to create special conditions for frontline regions. Initiatives such as preferential tax zones are mentioned as tools for increasing the investment attractiveness of areas close to the front line. Infrastructure co-financing and government procurement are also considered important. In this context, the state is expected to participate in the financing of large-scale urban projects that are beyond the means of the local budget alone. The need for access to innovation and finance is also outlined, but respondents also emphasise the need for the community itself to work on promoting the city. An important mechanism in this context is the practice of interacting with European cities with which exchanges, visits and consultations have been established. Such contacts are seen as an effective format for mutual enrichment and financial support.