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This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms 
of the Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 4.0

1 Engineering Institute of Zaporizhzhia National University, Ukraine
E-mail: marinagramchuk@gmail.com
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6655-6114
2 Engineering Institute of Zaporizhzhia National University, Ukraine (corresponding author)
E-mail: vitalina2006@ukr.net
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9588-7836
3 Engineering Institute of Zaporizhzhia National University, Ukraine 
E-mail: valentinavoronkova236@gmail.com
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0719-1546
Web of Science ResearcherID: Т-2057-2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30525/2256-0742/2024-10-4-178-185

SMART CITY 3.0 DIGITAL MANAGEMENT CONCEPT  
IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE GREEN  

DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Marina Gramchuk1, Vitalina Nikitenko2, Valentina Voronkova3

Abstract. The present study is relevant in the context of the formation of the digital management concept Smart  
City 3.0 in the context of sustainable green development goals. These goals are to be achieved by combining 
digitalisation technologies with the principles of environmental sustainability. The purpose of the study is to 
determine the conditions for the formation of a digital concept of city management 3.0 in the context of sustainable 
development goals. Research objectives: 1) to study the concept of the digital concept of city management or Smart 
City and the conditions for its implementation; 2) to reveal the concept of Smart City 3.0 development in the context 
of foreign experience; 3) to reveal the essence and significance of the concept of environmental sustainability 
of smart Smart City 3.0 and the promotion of sustainable green development. The research methodology is a  
systematic, cross-cultural, interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex impact of digital technologies on all  
aspects of sustainable development in digital green smart cities 3.0, in particular on the economic, social and 
environmental dimensions. It allows for the interaction between digital innovations and the Sustainable Development 
Goals (SDGs) to be considered in a single structure. The Smart City 3.0 concept views the city as an integrated 
ecosystem. This approach ensures efficient infrastructure management and also helps to reduce environmental 
impact, improve the quality of life of citizens, and engage them in decision-making. The article examines the 
pivotal elements of the Smart City 3.0 concept, encompassing the deployment of artificial intelligence, the  
Internet of Things (IoT), big data and automated systems to enhance the urban environment. It has been 
demonstrated that the implementation of these technologies can result in a notable reduction in energy 
consumption, the optimisation of traffic flows, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and an enhancement 
of the environmental sustainability of the city. The study analyses the global exemplars of digital urban  
management, identifies opportunities and challenges for the development of Ukrainian cities in the direction of 
smart and green management, and offers recommendations for their adaptation based on global experience.

Keywords: digital innovations, digital green Smart City 3.0, digital concept of city management 3.0, sustainable  
and green development, green capital.

JEL Classifications: O33, H76, R11, R58, Q55

1. Introduction
The study's relevance lies in its demonstration of 

the pivotal role creativity plays in the development of 
creative industries, which in turn contribute to the 
growth of creative cities and the generation of new 
ideas. The theoretical framework of the creative city 
emerged concurrently with the advent of the creative 

economy, which encompasses the economic aspects 
of digitalisation, urbanism, social well-being and 
innovation.  Such factors include the changes brought 
about by digital technologies, their diffusion and 
impact on economic systems, including the concept 
of a Smart City and the application of digital solutions 
in urban management. A digital city should comprise 



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public expenditures pertaining to local initiatives 
in urban management, including expenditures on 
digitalisation, infrastructure and services for residents 
in the context of a Smart City. Regional policy issues, 
including Smart City development policies and the 
introduction of digital tools to enhance the quality of 
life in cities, must also be considered. Furthermore, 
regional economic development, including urban 
growth and changes caused by digital transformation, 
must be taken into account to ensure the sustainability 
and development of urban regions (Peter Hall, 1997). 
The construction of a creative city has the potential 
to attract cultural and creative talents and groups, 
infuse the city with new vitality and competitiveness  
through the development of creative industries, 
and address significant urban development issues in 
innovative ways. In the context of digitalisation, the 
era of the creative economy based on the knowledge 
economy is emerging, and the construction of  
creative cities is an inevitable trend in the future 
development of urban areas. This necessitates the 
existence of a well-developed creative industry and 
the utilisation of the creative industry to support and 
promote innovation in the wider economic sphere. 
In a creative city, the creative industry represents 
a significant industrial grouping, and creative 
achievements frequently become inputs to other 
industries, providing consumers with new elements 
of value. Creative planning helps almost all traditional 
industries create a "blue ocean" and stimulate the 
development of a number of related industries. More 
importantly, the development of creative industries 
has significantly improved the cultural level of people, 
updated concepts, and increased creativity, leading to 
countless innovations in all areas of life. The concept 
of a Smart City is a model of a city based on the full- 
scale use of digital technologies to solve urgent 
problems of the city, its green sustainable development 
and improve the quality of life of citizens.

2. Analysis of Recent Research  
and Publications

In Cities in Civilisation (USA, Pantheon Books, 
1998), Peter Hall presents a historical analysis of 
urban development and the role of innovation in 
urban prosperity. Although the term Smart City was 
not yet in common usage at the time of the book's 
publication, Hall offers ideas that later became the 
basis for its development, in particular in the context of 
creative, economic and social innovations to improve 
the quality of life. Hall observed that creative cities 
have existed since antiquity. They are the product of 
human civilisation, the cradle of cultural birth, and all 
creative achievements are inextricably linked to cities. 
Landry (2005), founder of Comedia, a UK-based 
creative city research institute, believes that a city 

can only be revitalised through innovation, and that  
the key lies in the city's creative base, creative 
environment and cultural factors. In his work,  
The Creative City: A Toolkit for Urban Innovators 
(Earthscan Publications, 2000, UK), Charles Landry 
establishes the conceptual framework of the creative 
city, underscoring the significance of cultural capital 
and creative industries for the evolution of urban 
environments. His ideas have exerted considerable 
influence on the development of the Smart City, 
where digital innovations are integrated with a  
creative approach to urban governance and citizen 
engagement. Richard Florida posits that the key  
elements of building a creative city are the 3Ts: 
technology, talent and tolerance. In other words, the 
attraction of creative talent, the generation of ideas 
and the stimulation of the economy are essential 
components of this process.  The region is characterised 
by a concentration of technology and high-tech 
industries, which exemplify the region's commitment 
to innovation. In contrast, tolerance can be defined 
as an openness to, and acceptance of, all minorities,  
races and attitudes. In his book The Rise of the 
Creative Class (USA Basic Books, 2003), Richard 
Florida concentrates on the development of the 
creative class as a driving force for urban economic 
growth. He demonstrates how creative and innovative 
professionals contribute to the enhancement of urban 
environments, which aligns with the principles of 
a Smart City and shapes the strategic development 
of innovative urban spaces. It can be argued that any 
city has the potential to become a creative city, which 
in turn can contribute to the promotion of both the 
cultural and the knowledge economy. The studies 
provide a comprehensive examination of the concept 
of the Smart City, offering insights into international 
experiences in this domain. These authors have 
established a theoretical foundation for the further 
development of Smart City concepts, underscoring 
the potential of urban spaces to become hubs of 
creativity, innovation, and technological advancement, 
thereby enriching the contemporary understanding 
of a Smart City. The authors pose questions regarding 
the equilibrium between technological advancement 
and environmental conservation, with a particular 
emphasis on the managerial and social implications 
of digital transformation. The authors examine the 
potential benefits and risks of using digital technologies 
in urban governance, and provide examples of 
cities that have already implemented these systems.  
They also present data-driven Smart City concepts 
that can be used to manage urban infrastructure, 
focusing on the principles of Smart City management 
and development, sustainability, and integration of 
environmental standards (Andrienko, 2018).

The concept of smart cities represents a pivotal 
paradigm for the advancement of urban areas in the 



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context of the digital transformation of the economy. 
The objective is to integrate digital technologies and 
innovations with a view to enhancing the quality of 
life, optimising resource management and facilitating 
sustainable urban development. A review of the 
literature reveals that considerable attention has been 
devoted to both the theoretical understanding of 
this concept and the methodological approaches 
to its implementation. The literature on the subject  
tends to focus on a number of key areas, including 
the definition of the concept, the technological tools  
that are available, the implementation models that  
can be used, as well as the barriers and challenges 
that need to be overcome. The scientific literature 
presents a number of definitions and approaches 
to understanding the concept of the Smart City.  
In general, a Smart City can be defined as an area  
that employs digital technologies to integrate 
infrastructure, enhance the management of urban 
processes, reduce environmental impact, and ensure 
a high quality of life (Kirimtat, Krejcar, Kertesz, & 
Tasgetiren, 2020). 

Main approaches to the concept: Technological 
approach: emphasises the role of digital platforms,  
the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, artificial 
intelligence (AI) and automation in urban management 
(Pushkar and Seriogina, 2023; Holroyd, 2022). 
Socially oriented approach: focuses on citizen 
participation in decision making and improving 
the quality of life through technology. Sustainable 
development: focuses on balancing economic 
development, environmental sustainability and social 
inclusion (Allam and Newman, 2018). The literature 
emphasises the importance of integrated platforms 
(IoT, Big Data, blockchain) that provide management  
of various aspects of the city, including transport,  
energy consumption and waste management.  
The literature focuses on the use of autonomous 
vehicles, intelligent traffic control systems (ITS) and 
ride-sharing platforms (Muraiev, 2020). The study by 
Liu et al. (2017) provides evidence of the economic  
and environmental benefits associated with such 
systems. The extant literature emphasises that the 
development of smart cities is inextricably linked to the 
digital economy (Huang, Wang, Li, Zheng, Mourtzis, 
Wang, 2022).

A review of the literature on smart cities reveals that 
their development is a strategically important area 
in the context of the digital economy. The concept 
is designed to enhance the quality of life, efficiency 
of urban processes and sustainable development. 
However, the implementation of this concept requires 
a systemic strategy that takes into account both 
technological and social challenges (Senkevych and 
Voit, 2020; Sergiyenko, 2022). The following section 
outlines the objectives of the article, providing a clear 
statement of the task at hand. The objective of this 

study is to ascertain the prerequisites for the creation  
of a digital concept of urban governance in the  
context of sustainable development goals. 

The objectives of the study are as follows:  
1) to study the concept of the digital concept of city 
management or Smart City and the conditions for 
its implementation; 2) to reveal the concept of Smart  
City 3.0 development in the context of foreign 
experience; 3) to reveal the essence and significance 
of the concept of environmental sustainability of 
Smart City 3.0 and the promotion of sustainable green 
development. 

3. Materials and Methods
Studying the concept of digital development  

in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals 
(SDGs) requires a multifaceted approach. Methods 
used to analyse the relationship between digital 
development and the SDGs: 1) Statistical data from 
international organisations such as the UN, the 
World Bank, the European Union, the International 
Monetary Fund and other international institutions. 
These data provide information on the level of 
digitisation, access to the internet and the use of digital 
technologies in different countries. The United  
Nations (UN) publishes reports on progress in 
achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 
(SDGs), which provide an analysis of the development  
of digital technologies in the context of sustainable 
development. The International Telecommunication 
Union (ITU) also publishes reports on this topic.  
In addition, the World Economic Forum (WEF) 
studies innovative digital solutions in the global 
context of sustainable development, while national 
digital development strategies and policy documents  
include strategic plans for digital transformation and 
sustainable development. Document analysis and 
content analysis are employed to examine official 
documents, strategies, programmes and reports 
on digital development and its alignment with the 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Senkevych, 
Voit, 2020). Content analysis enables the identification 
of the principal approaches and priorities of digital 
development in diverse national contexts. Systemic 
analysis is employed to comprehend the intricate 
influence of digital technologies on all facets of 
sustainable development, encompassing the economic, 
social and environmental dimensions, and to examine 
the interplay between digital innovations and the  
SDGs within a unified framework. Econometric 
modelling to assess the impact of digital technologies 
on sustainable development. Big data analysis to 
identify trends and patterns in the development 
of digital infrastructure and its impact on different  
aspects of the SDGs, such as reducing inequality 
(SDG 10) or ensuring quality education (SDG 4). 



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Benchmarking is used to compare successful digital 
transformation practices in different countries  
working towards the SDGs. This provides an 
opportunity to identify the most effective strategies 
that can be adapted to other countries. Geographic 
information systems (GIS) analysis is a valuable tool 
for studying the territorial distribution of infrastructure 
resources, Internet access, and the impact of digital 
technologies on the environment. It is an essential 
instrument for analysing the spatial impact of 
digitalisation on sustainable development, as evidenced 
by its application in urban planning. By employing 
these methods, researchers can gain deeper insights 
into the relationship between digital technologies and 
sustainable development and identify strategies for 
optimising digital approaches to achieve the SDGs 
(Landry, 2005).

4. Results and Discussions

4.1. Digital Concept of City Management  
or Smart City and Conditions  
for its Implementation

The concept of Smart City represents a digital  
approach to urban resource and infrastructure 
management. It entails the utilisation of digital 
technologies, data, and artificial intelligence with the 
objective of enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, 
and quality of life of residents.  The digital concept 
of urban governance establishes a novel framework  
for the interaction between the state, the private  
sector, and citizens, enhancing transparency in 
governance and the quality of life in cities (Table 1).

The advent of the Smart City concept represents 
a novel approach to urban management that  
integrates digital technologies with urban strategies, 
thereby facilitating a high level of integration and 
automation of urban functions.  The utilisation of 
the Internet of Things (IoT), big data and artificial 
intelligence to optimise urban systems (energy supply, 
transport, security, etc.) represents a novel approach 
to urban infrastructure that facilitates enhanced data 
collection and analysis. The advent of the concept of 
"smart" solutions has enabled cities to utilise real-time 
data analysis in order to make informed management 
decisions. This represents a shift in traditional 
approaches to urbanism and enhances the city's  
capacity to adapt to the evolving needs of its  
population. The utilisation of digital platforms for 
civic participation and the implementation of digital 
services to engage citizens in city governance facilitate 
a novel level of interaction between authorities and 
residents, thereby engendering conditions conducive to 
decentralisation and the transparency of management 
processes (Li, 2022).

4.2. The Concept of Smart City 3.0 Development  
in the Context of Foreign Experience

The concept of Smart City development, as 
observed in the context of international experience,  
encompasses a diverse array of innovative approaches 
 and solutions designed to optimise the urban environment 
and enhance the quality of life for urban residents. This 
encompasses the development of the Internet of Things 
(IoT) infrastructure, which includes the integration 
of IoT technologies for the monitoring and control of 

Table 1
Key aspects of the digital concept of city management or Smart City 3.0

Concept aspects Concept characteristics

Intelligent infrastructure 
management systems

Use of digital technologies to monitor and optimise urban infrastructure, such as transport networks, 
water and electricity supply, and energy systems. This helps to reduce costs, improve system reliability 
and prevent accidents.

Digital platforms for traffic 
and transport management

Real-time traffic management systems that analyse traffic flows and optimise routes, reducing 
congestion and pollution. Such platforms also support the safe movement of pedestrians and cyclists.

Internet of Things (IoT) 
and sensors for environmental 
monitoring

A network of sensors that collects data on air quality, noise, water pollution and other environmental 
indicators. This helps to quickly respond to threats and implement environmental initiatives.

Platforms for citizen engagement 
and digital self-governance

Digital platforms for discussing city projects, collecting proposals and voting that increase transparency 
and encourage citizen participation in city management processes. This contributes 
to the formation of a digital society where citizens can quickly communicate with the authorities.

Artificial intelligence 
for urban planning and resource 
management

The use of artificial intelligence algorithms to analyse large amounts of data on the population, mobility 
and needs of the city. This allows for forecasting, modelling the efficient use of resources, 
and making informed decisions.

Innovative solutions for digital 
security

Protecting municipal systems and personal data from cyber threats is a critical task. This includes 
encryption technologies, data privacy protection and cybersecurity systems to maintain the stability 
of digital networks.

Energy management system 
and sustainable development

Implementation of smart energy management systems to save resources, stimulate the use of renewable 
energy sources and implement green energy policies.

Source: compiled by the authors



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urban systems, including transport, energy, water, and 
public safety (Allam, Newman, 2018). The utilisation 
of sensors and connected devices for the purpose of 
real-time data collection facilitates the optimisation of 
resources and the reduction of environmental impact.  
The implementation of intelligent transport systems, 
based on automation, facilitates the digitalisation 
of transport, the introduction of smart traffic lights, 
motion sensors, electronic information boards for 
public transport and electric transport infrastructure. 
Such systems assist in the reduction of congestion, 
the enhancement of safety and the optimisation of 
transport efficiency. Foreign smart cities are actively 
utilising renewable energy sources and energy 
management systems, including smart grids (Muraiev, 
2020). Cities such as Amsterdam and Barcelona 
are implementing programmes designed to reduce 
emissions and encourage the construction of energy-
efficient housing and buildings. The implementation 
of electronic government platforms that facilitate 
the convenient receipt of administrative services, the 
payment of utilities, and the submission of complaints 
or suggestions by residents. The objective is to  
guarantee equal access to digital resources, networks, 
educational and medical services for all segments of 
the population, irrespective of age, social status or 
geographic location. The development of cybersecurity 
measures to safeguard urban infrastructure and  
private data is also a priority. The application of big 
data analytics and artificial intelligence can facilitate 
the prediction of demand for a range of services, the 
optimisation of resource utilisation and the analysis 
of resident behaviour (Andrienko, 2018). By way of 
illustration, Singapore is engaged in a programme 
of experimentation with the use of AI in the fields 
of healthcare, traffic management and security.  
The evidence from international experience indicates 
that the active engagement of citizens through digital 
platforms and mobile applications to discuss city 
initiatives has the effect of promoting responsible 
governance and improving trust in city authorities. 
Cities such as Barcelona, Amsterdam, Singapore and 
Stockholm illustrate the significance of an integrated 
approach, wherein disparate elements of urban 
governance interact through digital platforms and 
shared networks, thereby establishing a genuine 
smart ecosystem. The creative industry represents an 
optimal synthesis of cultural, technological, industrial, 
and market elements. To illustrate, Berlin offers an 
exemplary infrastructure and event space conducive to 
creative pursuits. A multitude of creative professionals, 
including designers, photographers, and architects, 
can readily access the resources necessary to flourish, 
including opportunities for growth, networking, public 
communication, and a competitive environment. 
Berlin attaches great importance to the development 
of design talent. In creative cities, creative people can 

enjoy a good cultural atmosphere that is not only free 
and inclusive, allowing different cultures to exist and 
develop, but also has a certain number and level of 
audiences so that creative activities can be carried out 
without interruption. The importance of inclusivity 
for creative cities is that they can attract creative talent, 
and diverse cultural exchanges are more conducive 
to innovation (Voitko, Skorobogatova, Konovalova, 
2023). Such a cultural atmosphere can attract more 
creative talent and companies, and thus generate 
more innovation. On the other hand, every industry 
needs a market of a certain size to develop, and  
for the creative industries, the audience is not only 
consumers, but their interaction with producers not 
only drives innovation, but also participates in the 
development of ideas. Therefore, the presence of a  
certain number and quality of audiences is also an 
important force for the growth and development 
of creative cities. Under the influence of economic 
globalisation, cities have become the main competition 
(Huang, Wang, Li, Zheng, Mourtzis, Wang, 2022). 
Cities are competing to attract investment and 
competition between cities is intensifying. In the context 
of competition for productive factors such as talent, 
knowledge, technology, information and investment, 
it is possible to attract these factors, which are the 
main direction of gaining new competitive advantages. 
In order to resolve the "globalisation-localisation 
contradiction", cities should rely on their own 
unique characteristics in the process of globalisation.  
The development of creative cities has the potential 
to enhance the competitiveness and adaptability  
of the national economy, while also improving the 
quality of life for citizens. Landry (2000) posits that 
modern metropolises are confronted with significant 
structural challenges, including the decline of  
traditional economic sectors, the deterioration of the 
quality of life, and the threats posed by globalisation. 
These issues necessitate the implementation of 
innovative solutions to address them effectively.

The digital concept of city management is a means 
of creating sustainable, environmentally responsible 
and socially integrated urban environments in which 
technology plays an important role in every aspect of 
life. The implementation of such solutions enhances 
the quality of life in urban areas, promoting sustainable 
development and economic growth (Zharova, 2019). 
The concept of the digital city encompasses innovative 
technologies for solving environmental problems, 
including the management of urban environments 
through digital solutions such as air monitoring, 
resource management, and green energy. These 
technologies will facilitate the economic analysis of 
digital city management in terms of innovation, regional 
policy, sustainable development, and urban economic 
growth (Sergiyenko, 2022). Solutions and projects 
are being implemented under the Smart City banner 



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that only automate current processes in the city, but 
do not ensure the transformation of the management 
system, the improvement of the quality of services 
and the quality of life in accordance with the standards 
of the 21st century (ISO-37120, 37101). Risks of 
disintegration of the national digital model – through 
the creation of autonomous ICT architectures – own 
data centres, identification systems, data collection 
and exchange, cybersecurity approaches; creation  
of start-up initiatives in cities to increase the efficiency 
and speed of solving urban problems; innovation 
as a key factor in smart cities (innovation economy 
and development of urban innovations to solve 
urban problems); use of the sharing economy in the 
development of Smart City 3.0 (Holroyd, 2022).

4.3. The Concept of Environmental 
Sustainability Smart City 3.0  
and the Promotion  
of Sustainable Green Development 

The implementation of the concept of environmental 
sustainability of digital cities Smart City 3.0  
revolves around improving the quality of life of the 
population, optimising resources and reducing costs; 
economic development and promoting sustainable 
development. This encompasses the implementation of 
intelligent traffic management systems, environmental 

monitoring, intelligent lighting and other innovative 
solutions that enhance the comfort, safety and 
environmental sustainability of urban environments. 
The deployment of digital technologies facilitates the 
optimal distribution of resources, thereby reducing  
the expenditure associated with utilities and 
infrastructure. This outcome is mutually beneficial for 
city authorities and residents alike (Kirimtat, Krejcar, 
Kertesz, Tasgetiren, 2020).

The European Green Capital Award was established 
by the European Commission in 2010 with the 
objective of recognising the efforts of cities to improve 
the environment and the quality of life of residents 
and visitors. To be eligible for this award, a city must 
demonstrate outstanding performance in terms of 
environmental standards and have a population of 
more than 10 million people. Furthermore, the city 
must have demonstrated an unwavering commitment 
to environmental protection. The Green Capital title 
is awarded annually to a city in Europe that is a role 
model for environmental protection and sustainable 
green development. The European Commission awards 
the winner 600,000 EUR (656,000 USD) to fund  
more sustainable green programmes. But the real  
prize is the marketing boost that comes with the city's 
certified green credentials. Previous winners include 
Tallinn (Estonia) and Oslo (Norway). Valencia is 

Table 2
Areas of development of the digital concept of city management or Smart City 3.0

Development direction Description of the direction

Smart management of buildings 
and infrastructure

The use of digital systems in public buildings to automate energy, heating, ventilation, cooling 
and security management. These solutions help to save resources, optimise costs and create 
a comfortable environment for residents and employees, while reducing environmental impact.

Digital healthcare services 
and healthcare systems

Implementation of telemedicine, mobile medical applications and digital patient records, which allow 
for fast and efficient service delivery. This ensures accessibility of medical services, simplifies health 
monitoring and speeds up response to medical needs.

 Educational platforms 
and digital learning

Integration of digital education platforms that allow schools, universities and training centres to deliver 
distance learning, provide access to a variety of learning materials and support lifelong learning. 
This helps to adapt educational processes to the requirements of the modern labour market.

Analysing and using big data 
for decision-making

Data from various city systems are analysed to gain a deeper understanding of the city's needs. 
The use of big data helps to identify patterns, predict future trends and make strategic decisions 
to improve the quality of life in the city.

Supporting the digital ecosystem 
for the development of small 
and medium-sized businesses

Creation of digital infrastructure that supports the business environment by providing access to online 
platforms for e-commerce, logistics, financial transactions and interaction with the authorities. 
This stimulates the development of local businesses, creates new jobs and contributes to the economic 
development of the city.

Digital emergency response 
systems

Implementation of digital solutions that allow for effective coordination of rescue services 
and informing the public during emergencies such as fires, floods or man-made accidents. Early warning 
systems and rapid response tools increase the level of safety in the city.

Digital infrastructure for public 
space and recreation

Implementation of smart solutions for monitoring the condition of public areas such as parks, sports 
complexes and pedestrian zones. This allows tracking environmental indicators, ensuring cleanliness 
and safety, and analysing demand for infrastructure for further improvement.

Developing digital systems 
for cultural and social initiatives

Digital platforms for organising cultural events, social projects and community activities that allow cities 
to offer residents and tourists a variety of opportunities to interact with the cultural environment. 
Such systems help preserve local culture, stimulate social initiatives, and support cultural diversity.

Source: compiled by the authors



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home to the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic  
masterpiece by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava 
that is now one of the city's biggest attractions.  
Its gleaming white curves and design give it a space-
age feel, making it a favourite location for sci-fi films 
and TV series from Star Wars to Wild West World.  
The Spanish city of Valencia also places a premium  
on the creation of an environment conducive  
to the wellbeing of its citizens, evidenced by the 
transformation of streets and squares into pedestrian-
friendly spaces. The city boasts a network of over 
160 kilometres of bicycle paths and 95 square 
kilometres of pedestrian zones, which contribute  
to the advancement of environmentally sustainable 
transport (Pushkar, Seriogina, 2022).

The transition to the Smart City 3.0 concept 
necessitates the active involvement of citizens in the 
process of developing a Smart City through collaboration 
with private corporations and the public sector. It is 
anticipated that citizens will not only utilise existing 
applications that facilitate their involvement in the 
decision-making process, but will also contribute 
to the development of smart solutions (co-creation 
design) and become more integrated into the dynamics 
of business-public sector relations, which is crucial  
for the effective resolution of urban issues and the 
advancement of the city (Pozdnyakova, 2019).

5. Conclusions
The concept of environmental sustainability of the 

Smart City 3.0 and the promotion of sustainable green 
development, modernisation of urban infrastructure 
and implementation of effective resource green 
management (using IoT, green technologies, smart 
grids, new technical standards) are key elements of this 
proposal. The improvement of the urban management 
system (in fact, a request for transformation) is 
based on the integration of systems and data, while 
the determination of economic models of urban 
development takes into account not only natural, 
industrial, but also human potential (in fact, cities as 
centres of innovation and development). The concept 
includes the development of a national roadmap and 
a digital information framework for Smart City 3.0 
as a basis for the development of relevant city roadmaps 
and support for urban digitalisation policies; the 
creation of a national platform – a catalogue of  
Smart City solutions (based on the principles of testing 
and certification) in accordance with the experience 
of the EPIC/European Smart Cities Platform.  
This is necessary to create an effective resource-
based green management in the development and 
implementation of relevant projects, to equalise  
the capabilities of different cities in the country; 
to harmonise policies and legislation with EU 

Table 3
Key advantages and disadvantages of environmental sustainability of digital cities

Direction content Environmental sustainability advantages Environmental sustainability disadvantages

Biodiversity conservation
Ecological sustainability contributes to the conservation 
of species and genetic diversity, which is important for the 
provision of ecosystem services and ecosystem resilience.

Building sustainable ecological systems can 
take time, especially when restoring depleted 
ecosystems.

Reduced environmental 
impact

Environmental sustainability helps to reduce the negative 
impact of human activity on nature, such as air, water 
and soil pollution.

The high costs of environmental sustainability 
can be costly, especially in the initial phase 
of implementation.

Ecosystem sustainability
Environmental sustainability ensures the stability 
of ecosystems, which is important for the provision of vital 
services such as water, climate regulation and food supply.

The application of strict environmental standards 
may lead to restrictions on the development 
of certain sectors, such as industry or agriculture.

Sustainable development 
in a changing climate

Environmental resilience helps ecosystems adapt to climate 
change and ensures the survival of diverse species in new 
conditions.

Some measures to achieve environmental 
sustainability can have unpredictable 
consequences in the long term, especially when 
it comes to global changes in ecosystems.

Economic benefits

In the long run, investments in environmental 
sustainability measures can lead to a reduction in the costs 
associated with climate change, pollution and biodiversity 
loss.

Achieving environmental sustainability requires 
cooperation between different sectors of society 
and government agencies, which can be difficult 
to achieve.

Social stability

Maintaining environmental sustainability helps to improve 
the quality of life and health of the population, 
which ensures social stability and promotes 
the development of society.

Unsustainable or inadequate activities can lead 
to the loss of valuable ecosystems and the services 
they provide, with serious consequences 
for human well-being and health.

Long-term benefits
Investing in environmental sustainability measures can 
have a long-term positive impact on ecosystems and human 
well-being, contributing to sustainable development.

Building an environmentally sustainable society 
requires a balanced approach that takes into 
account the needs of ecosystems, the economy 
and society.

Source: compiled by the authors



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Vol. 10 No. 4, 2024 
requirements (as stipulated in the EU-Ukraine 
Association Agreement) related to the development of 
the digital economy, innovation and urban governance 
(Connectivity and Regional Cooperation Policy 
2014-2020); to implement international standards 
for Smart City management (ISO-37120, ISO-37101, 
etc.); to ensure not only technical interoperability, 
but also big data serve as a basis for improving city 
management – creating an intelligent city management 

system. The majority of creative cities included in the 
Smart City 3.0 project are characterised by a high level 
of cultural diversity, attracting individuals from a range 
of geographical backgrounds. These cities are often at 
the forefront of social and ideological change, and their 
urban policies attract highly skilled immigrants and 
entrepreneurs. The development of the creative industry 
is contingent upon financial support, as the creative 
industry itself requires financial backing to flourish. 

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Received on: 07th of October, 2024
Accepted on: 24th of November, 2024
Published on: 17th of December, 2024