Lyudmila Mihaylova, Emil Papazov, Khaled El-Bakary
Abstract: This paper examines digital transformation and sustainability as interconnected components of strategies for developing and managing 'smart' cities, recognising them as essential meso-economic entities whose economic function is expanding in tandem with technological and innovation advancements. Various views of the scope of digital transformation are presented, ranging from simple to interdisciplinary, incorporating strategic management, technological development, architectural solutions, social models, and public order. This study likewise takes a qualitative approach, using different approaches such as policy analysis and case studies. The focus is the Arab Republic of Egypt, where a National Strategy for Smart Cities (2026) aspires to establish interconnected urban regions to improve quality of life through sustainable practices and digitalisation. The study also identifies key characteristics of Egypt's „smart“ cities, including the use of digital technologies in a variety of sectors, the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship (including green energy), the reduction of carbon emissions and efficient resource management, and integrated digital systems for more effective governance and citizen communication. The importance of the IoT, 5G, fibre-optic connectivity, data centres, and AI in processing enormous amounts of data and intelligently managing urban services is highlighted. Specific solutions are demonstrated using examples from the New Administrative Capital Cairo and New Alamein City, including e-health and e-education, smart cards, smart metering and utility networks, IoT-based waste management, smart transportation, and centralised infrastructure management, as well as green construction and water self-sufficiency. The paper finds that the Egyptian model is transferable to other regions, assuming they have comparable technical and institutional readiness.
Key words: smart cities; development strategy; sustainability; digital transformation.
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