ABSTRACT
This editorial introduces a comprehensive overview of the smart sustainable city concept through the lens of Stavanger, a Nordic medium-sized smart city. The book integrates interdisciplinary perspectives from humanities, social sciences, and technical fields. It addresses the evolution of smart city concepts, emphasizing the interplay between ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ domains, the role of citizen participation, and the challenges of translating policy into practice. The publication critically examines theoretical frameworks, practical implementations, and the socio-technical dynamics of smart cities. It is divided into three sections: the first introduces Stavanger and the Research Network for Smart Sustainable Cities at the University of Stavanger; the second discusses theoretical and conceptual aspects of the smart city; and the third provides examples from lived smart city realities. These aim to provide a holistic understanding of a smart city, highlighting the complexities and potential synergies between smart and sustainable urban realities and futures. The concluding chapter summarizes Stavanger as a critical case and synthesizes lessons that can be learned. This editorial sets the stage for a nuanced discourse on the realities and aspirations of smart city initiatives, offering insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
