Governance, economy and society
Abstract
In an age where cities sit at the nexus of global challenges—ranging from climate change and economic inequality to digital transformation and population growth—Sustainable and Smart Cities: Governance, Economy and Society is a vital guide for urban futures. Edited by Anshuman Khare and Terry Beckman, the book offers a multidimensional examination of what it means to build cities that are not only smart in their use of technology but also sustainable in governance, economic design, and societal impact.
Khare and Beckman ground their volume in the understanding that urban sustainability is inseparable from climate action. Cities are both key contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and vulnerable zones in the face of extreme weather events, heat waves, and infrastructural stress. Thus, the editors take a holistic approach, advocating for urban systems that are technologically advanced, socially inclusive, economically resilient, and ecologically responsible. The book’s structure—divided into Governance, Economy, Society, and Technology sections—reflects this integrated vision.
The Governance section begins with an in-depth look at innovative city governance models. Khare and Beckman present a nuanced framework emphasizing top-down digital infrastructure, citizen engagement, participatory decision-making, and cross-sector collaboration. This foundational chapter underscores the importance of human-centred design, arguing that technology without trust and transparency is insufficient for meaningful urban transformation.
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Keywords
- Smart cities
- Sustainability
- Governance
- Economy
- Society
How to Cite
della Sala, V. (2025). Sustainable and smart cities: governance, economy and society [Book review]. URBAN RESEARCH & PRACTICE. https://doi.org/10.1080/17535069.2025.2510631
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