When local governments are bidding for recognition as smart cities in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they should no longer only chase the smart “brand” but, more importantly, the trademark of sustainable regions.

The different branding of smart cities and sustainable cities has prompted each municipal government to create a different set of priorities. This happens although the environment is already known as one of the smart city indicators.

The achievement indicators for sustainable cities, however, exceed those needed to achieve the title of a smart city. In transportation issues, for example, to be sustainable a city must not only operate an integrated transportation concept, but also promote the use of renewable energy in the transportation sector.