A temporal perspective on optimization for strategic, tactical, and operational decisions in smart cities

Abstract

Smart cities rely on data-driven decision-making to improve the performance and sustainability of urban services. This article examines how optimization techniques support urban planning across three complementary horizons: strategic decisions, such as locating waste accumulation infrastructure; tactical decisions, including the synchronization of public transport timetables; and operational decisions, exemplified by the scheduling of residential energy loads. By analyzing these domains, optimization not only enhances the efficiency of individual services but also ensures coherence among long-term investments, resource coordination, and real-time user interactions. This temporal perspective highlights the role of optimization as a unifying mechanism for designing resilient, efficient, and citizen-centered smart urban systems.