Smart cities indicators: the emergence of a new cliche

Study's Objective: the present bibliographic study aims to perform a critical analysis between indicators for sustainable cities (ABNT and SDG) and for smart cities (Web of Science) related to the challenges faced in cities. Methodology/approach: The methodological procedure was a literature review on the Web of Science database, content analysis, categorization of indicators and comparison. Originality/Relevance: The originality of the study is to analyze the set of indicators for smart and sustainable cities regarding their sensitivity in assessing a modern, innovative urban management focused on current challenges, such as migrations, climate adaptation, and natural disasters. Main results: The authors observed recurring indicators on health, education, housing, sanitation, and poverty, as well as on innovation and technology, and the absence of indicators related to the aforementioned challenges. Theoretical/methodological contributions: The results indicate a theoretical reference of quality and recognized by the scientific community. Conclusion: The production of tools and technologies for use in the scope of urban issues presents a great gap in the construction of sensitive indicators in the measurement of unprecedented transformations from a climatic point of view and of great impact on the cities.