Purpose

On review of literature on “Smart Cities”, it can be asserted that there are multiple definitions of the term “Smart Cities”; however, a universally accepted definition of “Smart Cities” has not been adopted till date. In these circumstances of uncertainty, this paper aims to propose a conclusive definition of “Smart Cities” from systems thinking view.

Design/methodology/approach

The key properties, components and dimensions of “Smart Cities” were identified through text analysis of existing definitions of smart cities in literature using tools such as word cloud, network graph, bubble chart, mind map and web chart of top keywords. The definitions were further subjected to principal component analysis to identify the key components such as characteristics and enablers of “Smart Cities”. The concept of “Smart Cities” was then examined from systems thinking view, to arrive at a systemic understanding of the concept, as it examines the key elements of Government, Citizens and Business using the Golden Circle tool (Why, What and How). Thereon, the interactions between these elements were scrutinized by drawing a Systemigram, which aided in constructing the definition of “Smart Cities”. Thereafter, the validity of the definition was empirically tested by applying it to a set of cities and testing the efficiency of cities through data envelopment analysis.

Findings

The Literature Review and definition analysis of “Smart Cities” have not only facilitated in identifying elements of widely accepted constructs of “Smart Cities” also helps in advancing a formal conceptual definition of “Smart Cities”. A formal definition, which is commonly accepted, would enable researchers in advancing theory and building measurement instruments for “Smart Cities”.

Originality/value

Given the fact that there is no uniform definition of “Smart Cities” leading to varying standards for conceptualization or construction of a “Smart City”, this paper attempts to propose a formal conceptual definition of “Smart Cities” from systems thinking view. Thus, this paper shall not only attempt to advance theory building of the concept of “Smart Cities” but shall also provide a reference to researchers and practitioners, to enable them to build appropriate measures for Smart Cities.

中文翻译：

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从系统思维角度构建智慧城市定义

目的

回顾“智慧城市”的文献，可以断言，“智慧城市”一词有多种定义；然而，迄今为止，尚未采用普遍接受的“智慧城市”定义。在这些不确定的情况下，本文旨在从系统思维的角度提出“智慧城市”的结论性定义。

设计/方法/方法

使用词云、网络图、气泡图、思维导图和热门关键词网络图表等工具，通过对文献中现有智慧城市定义的文本分析，确定“智慧城市”的关键属性、组成部分和维度。进一步对定义进行主成分分析，以确定“智慧城市”的特征和推动因素等关键成分。然后从系统思维的角度检查“智慧城市”的概念，以系统地理解该概念，因为它使用黄金圈工具（为什么、什么和如何）检查政府、公民和企业的关键要素。在此基础上，通过绘制系统图来仔细检查这些元素之间的相互作用，这有助于构建“智慧城市”的定义。此后，

发现

“智慧城市”的文献回顾和定义分析不仅有助于识别被广泛接受的“智慧城市”结构的要素，还有助于推进“智慧城市”的正式概念定义。一个被普遍接受的正式定义将使研究人员能够为“智慧城市”推进理论和构建测量仪器。

原创性/价值

鉴于“智慧城市”没有统一的定义，导致“智慧城市”的概念化或建设标准不一，本文试图从系统思维的角度提出“智慧城市”的正式概念定义。因此，本文不仅要尝试推进“智慧城市”概念的理论构建，还要为研究人员和从业者提供参考，使他们能够为智慧城市制定适当的措施。