Title: The discrepancy between aspiration and reality: how do we make smart cities and regions of the future sustainable? - An approach of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region

Authors: Christian Schachtner; Marvin Baldauf

Addresses: Education and Sustainability, RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, Unter den Eichen 5, 65195 Wiesbaden, Germany ' ProSeminaris GmbH – Behörden Spiegel-Gruppe, Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 57, 53113 Bonn, Germany; Behörden Spiegel-Group, Escher Str. 104, 50739 Köln, Germany

Abstract: The article deals with the question of a holistic integration of smart projects into the administration-related fulfilment of tasks using the example of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. The efforts towards a digital state and smart municipalities are therefore important implications for the state's performance and future viability in order to remain competitive in an international comparison and to secure the business location. As added value, the article provides starting points for a successful transformation and sustainable capacity building of smart cities and regions in a network of stakeholders with connecting elements of networked work.

Keywords: digital transformation; sustainability management; political-administrative system.

DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2025.151239

Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal, 2025 Vol.18 No.2/3, pp.279 - 297

Received: 14 Nov 2024
Accepted: 18 Mar 2025
Published online: 19 Jan 2026 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article