Smart cities and government services: a decade of research trends, networks, and emerging directions

Abstract

Purpose: to analyze research trends, publication patterns, collaboration networks, thematic clusters, and emerging research directions concerning the relationship between smart cities and government service development during the 2015–2025 period. Method: This study employs a bibliometric analysis combined with the PRISMA framework to systematically identify, screen, and analyze relevant literature on smart cities and government service development published between 2015 and 2025. A total of 67 eligible publications were analyzed to identify publication trends, contributing countries, journals, authors, subject areas, collaboration networks, and thematic clusters. Findings: smart city and government service research is increasingly multidisciplinary, with Indonesia and China as leading contributors. The main themes focus on communication technology and e-governance, as well as accountability and public administration, indicating a shift toward integrated and citizen-oriented smart government. Implications: these findings can support policymakers in designing more inclusive, secure, and responsive smart government strategies. Originality: lies in its decade-long bibliometric mapping of smart city and government service research, integrating technological, governance, and stakeholder perspectives to identify dominant themes, research networks, and emerging directions.