The Social Impact of Smart Cities: A Comprehensive Study with Digital Solutions

This study aims to examine the social impact of smart cities to overcome the challenges through digital solutions by examining the potential benefits and challenges associated with their implementation. Smart cities influence data-driven solutions and advanced technologies to enhance urban infrastructure, governance, and services. Developing countries face many challenges in implementing smart city solutions, such as a lack of skills, funding, governance, and infrastructure. This study examines what is considered a social impact in smart cities. Also, new perspectives are emerging digital solutions in supporting smart city projects. Further, the study offers numerous opportunities for economic growth and sustainability; evaluating their impact on society is essential. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, a review of various literature from engineering, environment, economics, technology, and sustainability. Moreover, it explores examples from various developed countries' smart city projects to provide empirical evidence of the social impact of smart city projects. In addition, this paper examines various aspects, including equity, citizen engagement, privacy, and inclusivity, to provide a comprehensive overview of the social implications of smart cities. The study highlights the importance of evaluating social impact and digital solutions for influential smart cities. Furthermore, it provides recommendations for policymakers and urban planners to ensure that the social dimensions of smart cities are adequately addressed. The study recommends social impact and digital solutions for smart cities but is limited to the available literature and existing technologies.