The Quadruple Bottom-line approach to Urbanization and Smart Sustainable Cities

Abstract

This paper aims to identify the important dimensions of Sustainable Smart City development
amongst the citizens of Karachi, Pakistan. This paper is a two-fold study in which the first study
was a quantitative study, which used an explanatory approach, conducted on 318 respondents using
a survey method. Convenience based sampling technique was used and data was collected through
a questionnaire method. These respondents belonged to various organizations in Karachi, Pakistan.
Four dimensions were used to evaluate the importance of smart cities development; Economic,
Environmental, Social and Smart. The second study was a qualitative study, which used an
exploratory approach, conducted on various stakeholders which directly or indirectly impact the
smart city development. Purposive based sampling technique was used and the data from 10
respondents was collected through interviews, including government housing authorities, national
databases, Small Medium Enterprise owners, and real estate builders etc. They identified the
problems and recommended solutions. Six major problems were identified, amongst which
budgetary restraint and lack of resources were most critical. There is limited theoretical and
empirical support available regarding the challenges that are experienced during successful
implementation for smart city development. By highlighting emerging challenges, this study will
help practitioners to prepare themselves for sustainable smart city development and provide more
efficient and integrated services.
Keywords: Smart sustainable Cities; Urbanization; Pakistan; Challenges