Designing a Model of Smart Urban Governance Using a Synthesis Approach

In recent years, the concept of smart governance has gained prominence as a means to institutionalize civil society. Understanding the factors influencing smart governance is crucial for guiding smart government projects. The principles of smart governance aim to satisfy all elements of society, particularly in the face of population growth and increasing crises, motivating leaders and statesmen to embrace intelligence across all facets of society. Therefore, striving for smart urban governance is essential to mitigate and address municipal challenges effectively. Existing research has laid the foundation for developing smart cities and smart governance, but traditional governance often lacks access to sufficient information and data. Despite the availability of this information and data, there is a need to further explore how to utilize and benefit from them. This underscores the necessity for more extensive research in this field.

This research adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing the seven-step meta-synthesis method developed by Sandelowski and Barroso. It comprehensively reviews sources related to smart governance and its associated factors, including 1,470 articles, books, and theses from reliable domestic and international sources published between 1390-1401 solar (2010-2022).

An examination of the existing literature on smart city governance reveals that while numerous studies have been conducted, only partial dimensions and indicators of smart city governance have been addressed. No previous research has comprehensively examined all dimensions and categories of smart city governance together. This study systematically analyzes both domestic research from 1390 to 1401 and foreign research from 2010 to 2022 in order to identify the dimensions and indicators of smart urban governance. Effective components in urban governance were identified and categorized as intelligent. Following a systematic review with a meta-synthesis approach, four optional codes (social, economic, cultural, and political) and 10 core codes (service management, productivity, management and organization, leadership, legislation, support and advocacy, governance quality, participation, education, and information technology infrastructures) were extracted.

The majority of studies focus on electronic service management, information technology infrastructure, and electronic legislation, while fewer studies address the quality of electronic governance. To ensure reliability and quality control, the Kappa method was employed, resulting in an excellent level of agreement for the factors of intelligent governance. Evaluating the progress of executive actions and sub-categories related to government for the establishment of smart governance necessitates comprehensive components and sub-components for assessment. By presenting an evaluation model of smart governance, including dimensions and categories, government-affiliated departments can enhance the effectiveness of their measures and identify areas for improvement. The integrated model of smart governance, synthesized through a meta-synthesis approach, enables governments to assess the performance of their affiliated departments while ensuring progress in establishing smart governance.