Mapping the knowledge domain of public policies for smart cities: a scientometric analysis

This study conducts a scientometric analysis aimed at mapping knowledge on public policies related to smart cities. The research highlights trends, gaps, and the interconnection between smart cities and public policies, with an emphasis on governance, technology integration, and sustainable urban development. The research analyzed 314 articles from the Scopus database, filtered by keywords. The results show a scarcity of studies that directly address the relationship between public policies and the advancement of smart cities. The research revealed that most publications come from developed countries (China, Italy, USA), while Brazil has a lower output but growing international collaboration. The main topics include smart cities, the Internet of Things, big data, and sustainability, focusing on emerging technologies and sustainable practices. The most cited studies highlight the relationship between technological innovation and urban policies, reinforcing the importance of governance. There are disparities in technology adoption, which do not consider local contexts, and the study points to the need for inclusive public policies that promote social and digital equity. This study reinforces the importance of integrating technology and public policies to promote more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable cities.