Integrating Smart Transportation and Sustainable Development Goals: A Literature Review

The United Nations (UN) Population Division reported that global urbanization has significantly accelerated over the past few decades. It is projected that by 2050, urban populations will comprise nearly 70% of the world's total population. This growth trend will present a series of challenges for cities, including housing supply, infrastructure development, the provision of public services, and the creation of job market opportunities. Meanwhile, cities must also confront issues such as climate change and environmental degradation. In light of this statement, the importance of urban governance and planning becomes increasingly evident, as reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) all underscore the necessity of developing sustainable cities. The concept of a Smart City has emerged as a significant approach to achieving sustainable development. To address the challenges posed by urbanization, the UN encourages countries to adopt sustainable urban development strategies, leveraging smart transportation technologies to enhance governance efficiency and improve the quality of life for residents. This article employs a literature review method to analyze smart transportation policies and practices in four European and Asian case studies. It finds that the development of smart transportation not only focuses on the application of digital technologies but also requires data sharing and collaboration to achieve the global partnerships advocated by SDG 17, thus advancing sustainable development goals.