Abstract
The aim of this study is to draw a comprehensive, data‑driven picture of the scientific status of the field of "smart city governance and management" through an extensive scientometric analysis. Given the growing emergence of smart cities and their pivotal role in sustainable development, urban management, and quality of life improvement, a systematic examination of scientific trends in this field is essential. In this study, scientific data from 2011 to 2025 were extracted and analyzed using scientometric indicators such as publication output, scientific collaboration networks, geographical distribution of researchers, and co‑word analysis. The results show that scientific production in this field has experienced a continuous upward trend over more than a decade, with 2024 marking the peak of research activity (112 articles). In terms of geographical distribution, China, India, and the United States are the three main poles of knowledge production, aligning with these countries’ large‑scale investments in smart infrastructures and data‑driven technologies. Furthermore, the findings highlight the dominant role of computer science, engineering, and urban management disciplines in advancing knowledge in this area. Conceptual structure analysis revealed three main clusters: smart governance (focusing on transparency, participation, and data‑driven policymaking), smart urban management (centered on operations, control, and service efficiency), and advanced technologies (including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, big data, and blockchain). The thematic evolution also indicates a shift from early e‑government and digitalization toward smart applications and data management, and ultimately toward sustainability and urban planning. By providing a comprehensive overview, this study can serve as an effective guide for policymakers, urban managers, and researchers to identify research gaps, emerging opportunities, and future directions in the smart city domain.