An Analytical Review of the Literature on Emerging Trends Toward the Enhancement of Smart Governance in Megacities Using VOS Viewer

Document Type : Research Article (Fundamental )

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate in Geography and Urban Planning, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Professor, Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geographical Sciences and Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

10.22103/jusg.2025.2157

Abstract

Introduction: As urban populations grow, megacities increasingly adopt smart governance strategies to tackle the multifaceted challenges of modern urban management. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore the complex emerging trends in smart governance using VOS Viewer software. In other words, the objective of the study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving research landscape of smart governance and identify key themes, influential authors, and prominent keywords.
Data and Method: This applied study was conducted utilizing a descriptive-analytical method through the co-citation technique. Data were collected from scientific databases, including Scopus and Web of Science, and analyzed using VOS Viewer software. The search strategy focused on literature related to urban sustainability, smart cities, and governance in smart cities, with selected keywords encompassing a wide range of topics such as smart city, urban governance, sustainability, and urban planning. The search was refined to publications from 2021 to 2024 to capture the latest developments and trends in the field. The research process involved analyzing keyword co-occurrence, clustering keywords, and visualizing and interpreting density maps.
Results: The findings highlighted a growing trend of integrating advanced technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and big data analytics, into urban management. This integration has become a central requirement and a growing trend in recent research. Moreover, significant shifts are observed in the focus of scholarly work toward evolving governance frameworks characterized by data-driven decision-making and active citizen participation. At the same time, the emergence of new solutions aimed at enhancing sustainability, resilience, and efficiency within urban environments has become evident. These developments increasingly highlight the need to pay attention to the ethical, social, and economic implications of adopting smart technologies.
Conclusion: While the integration of technologies like IoT, AI, and big data enhances urban governance, a lack of citizen satisfaction remains evident. City officials must prioritize public input in management and policy-making to improve the quality of life.

Keywords

References

منابع
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Journal of Urban Social Geography
Volume 12, Issue 2 - Serial Number 27
September 2025
Pages 19-36

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 November 2024
  • Revise Date: 29 December 2024
  • Accept Date: 31 January 2025

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