Prof. Boris Portnov and Dr. Oleg Dashkevych, from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Management, published in Sustainable Cities and Society. Their Research questions the common perception of “smart” cities. By analyzing data from over 100 major cities worldwide, they find that the proliferation of internet technologies and universities do not necessarily reduce income inequality or improve environmental performance within cities. Instead, the study suggests that smart city efforts should prioritize people’s needs and digital skills, rather than merely increasing technology adoption, contributing valuable insight to urban development.