STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE DATA MANAGEMENT IN SMART URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract

This systematic literature review examines strategies for effective data management in smart urban environments, with particular emphasis on developing country contexts. Through a comprehensive analysis of 74 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025, this review identifies key themes, challenges, and opportunities in smart city data management. The review employs the PRISMA methodology to ensure systematic rigor and transparency in the selection and analysis of relevant literature. Key findings reveal that data governance frameworks, technical infrastructure, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building emerge as critical pillars for successful smart city data management. The review identifies significant challenges including data silos, interoperability issues, privacy concerns, and capacity constraints, particularly pronounced in developing nations. Evidence suggests that context-specific approaches integrating global best practices with local realities yield more sustainable outcomes. This review contributes to the theoretical understanding of data management in smart urban contexts and provides practical insights for policymakers, urban planners, and researchers working on smart city initiatives in emerging economies. The findings inform the development of comprehensive frameworks for data-driven urban governance tailored to the unique socio-economic and infrastructural landscapes of cities in the Global South.