Knowledge-based urban development as a strategy to promote smart and sustainable cities

Abstract

Introduction: In the knowledge era, rapid technological progress, especially in information and communication technologies, is seen as the main ally to respond to the increasing urban environmental and socioeconomic crises. In this context, smart and sustainable cities are those that apply technology and innovation to improve the quality of life of their citizens and the efficiency of services, aiming at sustainable urban development. In practice, however, several challenges are posed to cities that seek to become smart and sustainable. To bring together the intelligence and sustainability dimensions, cities need locally-designed solutions, as well as integrated and balanced strategic urban planning. A strategic framework that can respond to these requirements is Knowledge-Based Urban Development (KBUD), which articulates four knowledge-based development domains (economic, social, spatial and institutional) for a long-term process of urban transformation, in the context of the new knowledge economy and global competitiveness. Methodology: Through a literature review, this article aims to present and discuss the main conceptual and application aspects of KBUD as a strategic approach to the promotion of smart and sustainable cities. Results and discussion: The results indicate that KBUD can contribute by offering a multidimensional and integrated approach to strategic urban planning that includes the implementation of urban technologies, developed by endogenous innovation processes, for a truly smart and sustainable urban development.