انجمن جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی شهری ایران مجله شهر پایدار 2476-6631 9 1 2026 04 21 Identifying the Constituent Components of A Smart City in Esfahan Metropolitan شناسایی عوامل تشکیل‌دهنده شهر هوشمند در کلان‌شهر اصفهان 101 120 245763 10.22034/jsc.2026.536703.1860 FA پریسا برخوردار گروه جامعه شناسی، دانشکده ادبیات، واحد دهاقان، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، دهاقان، ایران علی مرادی گروه جامعه‌شناسی، واحد کرمانشاه،دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، کرمانشاه، ایران منصور حقیقتیان گروه جامعه شناسی، دانشکده ادبیات، واحد دهاقان، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، دهاقان، ایران Journal Article 2025 12 28 A B S T R A C T The present study was conducted with the aim of identifying the constituent components of a smart city in the metropolitan city of Isfahan. In terms of purpose, the study was applied and in terms of data type, it employed a mixed-methods approach. It was based on a systematic grounded theory in the qualitative phase and a descriptive-analytical survey/correlational design in the quantitative phase. In the qualitative part, the statistical population of the research consisted of 10 experts from the Isfahan Municipality as well as academic experts in the field of smart cities and sustainable development. Quantitatively, it relied on Isfahan Municipality employees and managers. Based on simple random sampling method, 213 people were selected as a sample. The data analysis method in the qualitative part was theoretical coding derived from the grounded theory method, and Spss-21 software was used in the quantitative part. The results indicated that the value for the main model constructs - smart city - was calculated as 0.317 and for sustainable development as 0.310. The model’s predictive relevance is desirable, as indicated by positive Q2 values for smart city (0.295), sustainable development (0.236), causal conditions (0.241), background conditions (0.278), intervening conditions (0.269), and strategies (0.278). Accordingly, the analysis of the model’s predictive efficacy reveals its desirability concerning the variables under investigation. The Goodness of Fit (GOF) index, assessed for the surveyed sample, registered at 0.469. This particular value signifies a large effect size, substantiating the model’s robust fit within the context of the investigated sample. Extended Abstract Introduction Urban growth is occurring globally at an unprecedented rate and its external impacts are evident on the environment and society. Cities and metropolises generate a new set of problems; waste management, resource scarcity, air pollution, human health concerns, traffic, and dilapidated infrastructure are the most significant issues among the technical, physical, and material challenges. These crises are primarily driven by rapid population growth, the increasing consumption of natural resources alongside industrialization, urbanization, globalization, the expansion of agriculture, and a overconsumption lifestyle. A technological solution to address the challenges of management and settlement in metropolitans is the utilization of the smart city concept, which has garnered significant attention of urban management specialists. However, its implementation necessitates the establishment of various infrastructure across multiple dimensions, including human resources, communication infrastructure, urban culture, and so forth. For Isfahan to transform into a smart city, it benefits, on one hand, from a significant level of social cohesion and civic pride owing to its rich historical background, authentic urban identity, and high symbolic capital. Such factors can enhance the adoption of technological innovations and citizen participation in smartization projects. On the other hand, the presence of academic institutions, scientific centers, educated populace, and rich experience in urban management provides a suitable capacity for generating indigenous knowledge and fostering a connection between technology and societal needs. Isfahan, like numerous metropolises, is characterized by class, generational, and spatial diversity. Consequently, if smart city initiatives concentrate exclusively on technical infrastructure and neglect social justice, public participation, institutional trust, and digital literacy, they may exacerbate social inequalities. Thus, the foundations for a smart city in Isfahan are fully established only when technology is employed to enhance quality of life, transparency, civic engagement, and equity, while also aligning with urban culture and the actual needs of residents. In Isfahan, the utilization of intelligent transportation systems possesses the potential to alleviate traffic congestion, consequently reducing air pollution. Despite the substantial volume of data generated by integrated urban management platforms and the city’s increasing computational power, relatively limited activities have been undertaken in the city to explore the use of this data for developing quantitative tools for integrated smart city management and planning. Furthermore, the outcomes and achievements that the implementation of a smart city can bring to urban management in Isfahan, and more broadly to the sustainable development of the city, are subjects that can foster a comprehensive and practical perspective in this domain. In this regard, the main research question is: How is the smart city model for the metropolitan of Isfahan based on sustainable development? Methodology From the perspective of research purpose, the study is classified as applied. Methodologically, it adopts a mixed-methods approach. In terms of research design, the qualitative phase is grounded theory (systematic), while the quantitative phase is descriptive-analytical and specifically survey-correlational. In the qualitative section, the statistical population of the research consisted of 10 experts from the Isfahan Municipality, as well as academic experts in the fields of smart cities and sustainable development. In the quantitative section, employees and managers of the Isfahan Municipality were utilized. Based on a simple random sampling method, 213 individuals were selected as the sample. The data analysis method in the qualitative section involved theoretical coding derived from the grounded theory method, and in the quantitative section, SPSS-21 software was used. Result and Discussion The results indicate that technology-oriented and human-centric factors can encompass the dimensions of the core phenomenon of a ‘smart city,’ such that each set comprises indicators derived from expert interviews. Alongside this core phenomenon, sustainable development in its three dimensions - social, economic, and environmental - can be highlighted as the outcome achieved through the implementation of a smart city. It is also possible to reflect on the causal, contextual, and intervening conditions in the central phenomenon of the smart city and the set of strategies for its creation and consequences in the form of components of the theoretical model of the research. In this study, the ‘smart city’ comprises two components: technology-oriented and human-centric factors. ‘Sustainable development’ includes three components: social, economic, and environmental. ‘Influencing factors’ consist of three components: technological, social, and managerial factors. ‘Contextual conditions’ (or settings) include two components: infrastructure and management. ‘Barriers’ encompass three components: technical/technological, economic, and human factors. Finally, ‘strategies’ comprise two components: empowerment and management. The results of open, axial, and selective coding of identifying the factors constituting a smart city in the Isfahan metropolitan exhibit that the aforementioned structure had 73 indicators, 15 components in 6 dimensions of smart city, sustainable development, effective factors, platforms, barriers, and strategies. Conclusion In explaining the research findings, it can be stated that the urban structure of Isfahan, as a smart city, is divided into two primary components: (a) Technology-oriented factors, which refer to the integration of information technology with infrastructure, networks, and high-speed communications. This integration facilitates the intelligent management of urban resources, such as water, energy, traffic, and waste. By employing intelligent systems, it becomes possible to update documentation and develop programs aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of urban infrastructure. Information technology also facilitates public communication within the city and, by establishing communication networks, promotes interaction between citizens and public authorities. (b) Human-centric factors include social capital, concentration on human capital, and active citizen participation in decision-making processes. Human capital assets such as education and skills help citizens respond to urban issues through the use of new technologies and strengthen the labor market. This economic development contributes to enhanced urban sustainability and the improvement of socio-economic conditions. Furthermore, social capital fosters the communication networks and interpersonal interactions essential for the initiation and development of smart projects. Active participation in social networks, combined with the utilization of smart tools, facilitates access to urban information and services while actively involving citizens in urban decision-making processes. Sustainable development is one of the core categories in this study. The findings indicate that sustainable development is also divided into three components: social, economic, and environmental. (a) The social component includes work practices and appropriate working conditions, improved quality of life, increased social capital, and active citizen participation in decision-making processes. (b) The economic component refers to improved quality, greater flexibility, reduced costs, and enhanced financial performance. The use of smart technologies in economic infrastructure, such as transportation and waste management, assissts maximize efficiency and productivity, thereby reducing costs and strengthening the economy. Investment in innovative technologies stimulates the growth of related industries and generates greater value for both citizens and the government. The environmental component includes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the optimization of resource consumption. By employing intelligent systems, urban resources can be managed more precisely and pollutants can come under control. The findings indicate that the causal conditions governing the development of a smart city in Isfahan consist of three components: technological, social, and managerial. (a) The technological aspects of the urban environment include the integrated use of information and communication technology, cloud computing, smart infrastructure, and the Internet of Things (IoT), which facilitate smart connectivity throughout the city. Such infrastructure, utilizing novel technologies such as 5G internet and sensors, gather information and enhance services like intelligent traffic systems, smart lighting, and waste management. (b) Social conditions encompass smart education, democracy, participatory urban planning, and public awareness, which contribute to increasing social participation in urban decision-making processes. The contextual conditions and barriers identified in this study include infrastructure and management, as well as technical/technological, economic, and human factors. Integrated urban infrastructures, such as intelligent transportation systems and communication networks, can reduce traffic and air pollution, thereby aiding in the smart management of the city. Many interviewees and stakeholders react negatively to any management decisions, stemming from past incorrect decisions by urban management that excluded the opinions of citizens and stakeholders. In urban smartification, data collected from smart systems and sensors are vital for effective decision-making and optimization of urban management. Urban smartification can contribute to improving economic productivity and creating new jobs, leading to sustainable growth. On the other hand, the human component includes a lack of understanding regarding the necessity of e-cities and resistance to technological changes. If the benefits of these changes are not adequately explained to the public, they may refuse to adopt new technologies, and security concerns can also pose a barrier to the implementation of smart projects. The strategies identified in this study include empowerment and management. The empowerment component includes academic entrepreneurship, research and development, and rethinking education for the smart city, which strengthens the skills and perspectives of employees, making them active members in the process of city's smartification. This interaction and collaboration result in the provision of innovative solutions for urban challenges and the creation of a smarter city. Training related to emerging technologies, such as programming and data management, assists employees in acquiring the necessary knowledge and capabilities, enabling them to gain new perspectives on the process by becoming aware of the possibilities offered by smartification. Based on the research findings and results, the following recommendations are proposed: Advanced communication networks encompass fiber optic communications, wireless networks, and the Internet of Things. By establishing these networks, the possibility of fast and stable communication between citizens and organizations is facilitated, which leads to the enhancement of commercial and economic activities. Furthermore, creating a supportive ecosystem for innovative businesses and startups can facilitate economic development. Successful startups can be attracted through the establishment of co-working spaces, training and guidance centers, organizing relevant events, and providing guaranteed investments. The utilization of smart waste collection and management systems can contribute to better resource management and waste reduction. For instance, intelligent systems can detect the available space in trash bins and signal for collection services whenever needed, thereby reducing costs and time required for waste collection. Additionally, the application of smart technologies in agriculture can lead to improved irrigation water efficiency, reduced use of chemical pesticides, and controlled soil recovery. This can help preserve agricultural lands and water resources, exerting a more positive impact on the environment. The implementation of IoT-based systems for smart waste management can help reduce the amount of waste generated nationwide and increase the recycling of natural resources. These systems comprise sensors and smart containers that collect data on waste consumption, and intelligent systems provide economically viable and efficient management solutions. Furthermore, IoT-based smart parking systems can contribute to optimizing parking resources and reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. These systems include sensors and smart displays that gather real-time information on parking availability, assisting drivers in easily locating empty parking spaces. ● Smart Traffic Management: Intelligent adjustment of traffic lights, guiding traffic flow to less congested routes, and providing citizens with real-time traffic status updates. ● Transportation planning: Analyzing citizens’ travel patterns to improve public transportation routes, determine suitable locations for stations and terminals, and predict future transportation needs. ● Reducing Travel Time and Fuel Consumption: By optimizing traffic flow, travel time is reduced, and consequently, fuel consumption and air pollution are also decreased. ● Integrated Transportation Applications: Providing platforms that enable trip planning through a combination of transport modes, such as bicycles, buses, subways, and shared vehicles. ● Smart Parking Management: Guiding vehicles to available parking spaces and reducing unnecessary vehicle circulation in search of parking. ● Smart Payment Systems: Facilitating the payment of public transportation and parking fees through mobile devices and reducing the need for cash transactions. Overall, Smart Isfahan city, by integrating technological innovations with a deep understanding of the cultural values and the needs of citizens and tourists, provides a secure, enjoyable, and sustainable foundation for the future of its tourism and cultural heritage. Funding There is no funding support. Authors’ Contribution Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none. Conflict of Interest Authors declared no conflict of interest. Acknowledgments We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper. پژوهش حاضر باهدف شناسایی عوامل تشکیل‌دهنده شهر هوشمند در کلان‌شهر اصفهان صورت گرفته است. نوع پژوهش به لحاظ هدف بنیادی، از نظر رویکرد ترکیبی (در بخش کیفی داده بنیاد و در بخش کمی از نوع پیمایشی) است. در بخش کیفی جامعه آماری پژوهش را 10 نفر از خبرگان شهرداری اصفهان و همچنین خبرگان دانشگاهی در زمینه شهر هوشمند و توسعه پایدار تشکیل دادند. در بخش کمی از کارکنان و مدیران شهرداری اصفهان بهره گرفته شد. با تکیه‌بر روش نمونه‌گیری تصادفی ساده، 213 نفر به عنوان نمونه انتخاب شدند. روش تحلیل داده‌ها در بخش کیفی کدگذاری نظری برگرفته از روش نظریه‌پردازی داده بنیاد و در بخش کمی از نرم‌افزار Spss-21 استفاده شد. نتایج نشان داد مقدار برای سازه‌های مدل اصلی یعنی شهر هوشمند 317/0 و برای توسعه پایدار 310/0 محاسبه‌شده است. مقدار برای شهر هوشمند 295/0، توسعه پایدار 236/0، شرایط علی 241/0، شرایط زمینه‌ای 278/0، شرایط مداخله‌گر 269/0 و راهبردها 278/0 است که مثبت و در سطح مطلوب است. بر همین اساس می‌توان گفت قدرت پیش‌بینی مدل در مورد متغیرها مطلوب هستند. مقدار شاخص GOF به عنوان شاخص برازش مدل نمونه موردبررسی 469/0 هست که جز اندازه‌های بزرگ است. با توجه به این یافته‌ها می‌توان نتیجه گرفت که مدل آزمون شده در نمونه موردبررسی برازش مناسبی دارد.

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