The application of smart cities concept for citizens of Lithuania and Sweden: comperative analysis

Abstract

Urbanization and expansion of cities requires new tools to improve the quality of life of city inhabitants for all areas from mobility to leisure activities. Thus, technological development and digitalisation have been introduced into infrastructures such as rails, roads, airports, bridges, tunnels and communications. Policy of smart cities concept focuses on economy, people, mobility, governance, environment, and living. Even more, implemented framework of smart cities stimulates sustainable economic development. Smart economy is a trigger for innovations and entrepreneurship. Installed measures of smart mobility reduce traffic jams and optimise transportation systems.This research attempts to assess and compare largest different cities of Lithuania and Sweden in the context of smart cities’ concept. Due to the shortage and mismatching statistical information, the paper is limited with only four following indicators: smart economy, smart mobility, smart environment, and smart governance. The analysis of indicators shows that Lithuanian major cities in all groups of criterion are below average while values of indicators in the case of Swedish major cities are much higher than average.