A systematic review of research on just, equitable, responsible, and inclusive smart cities
Md. Nazmul Haque, Dominik Beckers, Emilio Costales, Samar S. Aad, Ayyoob Sharifi, Luca Mora
Abstract
Digital technologies and infrastructure are essential to the development of smart cities. Yet, vulnerable populations often lack equitable access to such resources. In this context, integrating justice into smart city development serves as a crucial foundation for developing just and equitable cities. To explore this issue, we examined 3067 articles and synthesized findings from 67 studies on justice in smart cities. Using deductive content analysis, we categorize justice issues into two distinct groups: types and dimensions. Among the various types of justice, infrastructural justice emerges as the most frequently discussed, appearing in 23 studies and highlighting significant disparities in access to basic urban infrastructure for marginalized communities. In terms of justice dimensions, procedural justice is the most prominent. Discussed in 27 studies, it emphasizes the importance of inclusive decision-making and the challenges posed by limited public awareness and tokenistic participation. The findings reveal that marginalized communities, particularly low-income groups, women, and individuals with disabilities, bear the brunt of exclusion, inequity, and marginalization in smart city developments. These communities are particularly vulnerable to gentrification, displacement, and reduced economic opportunities, further deepening existing inequalities. By positioning justice as a central element in smart city development, this study calls for a fundamental shift in the mindset of practitioners, advocating for policies and governance approaches that promote a just, equitable, responsible, and inclusive smart city ecosystem. • Justice is central to creating equitable, inclusive, and responsible smart cities. • Infrastructural and procedural justice are dominant themes in smart city research. • Marginalized groups face exclusion, inequity, and limited access to urban services. • Governance and participatory frameworks are vital for justice in smart cities. • Major ethical concerns are privacy, transparency, and the digital divide.