Theory of change for the transformation towards smart sustainable cities

Transforming a city into a Smart Sustainable City (SSC) is a complex, multidimensional process that leads to various changes at all city levels. Different transformation models exist in the literature; each tackles a transformation process from its point of view without a clear justification of the proposed stages and components to be achieved throughout the transformation journey. A solid theoretical foundation is needed as basis for selecting and identifying the elements of the SSC transformation without which the possibility of neglecting essential stages becomes high. This may lead to an incomplete transformation process, or worst, lead the whole transformation process to fail. This research paper aims at introducing a novel theoretical foundation for the transformation towards SSCs. It proposes a novel linkage between the theory of change and SSCs and uses this link to introduce an unprecedented theoretical logic model for the transformation towards SSCs. The results of this paper guides city planners, decision makers, and key stakeholders in understanding the essential stages and components to be considered during the SSC transformation journey, thereby helping them in developing a holistic SSC transformation model that provides the essential smart and sustainable solutions for their cities.