In the rapidly evolving landscape of smart cities and urban planning, a recent study published in the journal *Systems* (translated from Romanian as “Sisteme”) has shed light on the transformative power of big data analytics. Led by Florin Dobre from the Department of Accounting and Audit at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, the research delves into a decade of studies, revealing how technological advancements are reshaping urban living and, notably, the energy sector.
The study, which analyzed papers from 2015 to 2024 indexed in Clarivate Analytics’ Web of Science Core Collection, highlights an annual growth rate of 10.72% in research interest. This surge underscores the growing recognition of big data analytics as a critical tool in enhancing urban infrastructure and services.
“Technology has been incorporated in many sectors associated with smart cities, such as communications, transportation, energy, and water,” Dobre explains. “This has resulted in increasing people’s quality of life and satisfying the needs of a society in continuous change.”
The research employs a range of bibliometric analyses, including Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and BERTopic analysis, to extract key themes and trends. These methods reveal a diverse array of applications, from traffic management and environmental monitoring to public safety and power distribution based on consumption patterns.
One of the most compelling aspects of the study is its focus on the energy sector. By leveraging big data analytics, cities can optimize power distribution, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency. This not only cuts costs but also contributes to sustainability goals, a growing priority for both urban planners and energy providers.
“The importance of big data analytics in the area of urban planning and smart cities is underlined, resulting in an increase in their ability to enhance urban living by providing personalized and efficient solutions to everyday life situations,” Dobre notes.
The study also identifies prominent authors, institutions, and collaboration networks, providing a comprehensive overview of the research landscape. Thematic maps and n-gram analysis further illustrate the evolution of research themes over the past decade.
As cities continue to grow and evolve, the insights from this research could shape future developments in urban planning and smart city initiatives. By harnessing the power of big data analytics, cities can become more efficient, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of their residents.
For the energy sector, this research offers a roadmap to integrating advanced analytics into urban infrastructure, ultimately driving innovation and improving service delivery. As Dobre’s work demonstrates, the future of smart cities is not just about technology—it’s about creating smarter, more livable urban environments for all.