Smart Cities, Urban Transportation and Air Quality: A Decade of Literature on Italian Largest Cities

Abstract

Traffic congestion and its associated negative impacts on economic performance and environmental sustainability, particularly air quality, have long plagued urban centers. This article reviews the technologies and policies adopted by major Italian cities to address these issues, focusing on interventions from 2014 to 2024. Through a keyword co-occurrence analysis of 171 publications identified in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, the study examines the intersection of “smart city” and “traffic congestion” with a particular focus on urban centers with populations exceeding 300,000 residents, plus Cagliari. The resulting VOSviewer maps identify key technological tools and interventions highlighted in the academic literature, including GPS tracking, numeric calculations on large datasets, and machine learning applications. The findings reveal a significant emphasis on electric mobility and real-time traffic monitoring systems as contemporary solutions. Additionally, the study delves into the heterogeneity of approaches across Northern and Central-Southern Italy, highlighting regional differences in the adoption of smart technologies. This article provides a comprehensive map of the technological landscape and its evolution over the past decade, offering valuable insights for policymakers and researchers focused on urban transportation and air quality management in Italian cities.