Blockchain-Driven Smart Cities: Review of Key Applications and Emerging Trends
Kesara Wimal, Gary Cullen, John J. Donovan · 2025
The future of blockchain technology holds significant promise across various sectors, driven by its inherent decentralisation, transparency, and security capabilities. As industries increasingly recognise the potential benefits, the global blockchain market is projected to grow substantially. Concurrently, the smart city concept has gained significant traction worldwide, as governments and corporations aspire to create urban environments that leverage technology to enhance efficiency and quality of life. In this regard, blockchain technology has emerged as a promising solution, offering decentralised, secure, and transparent data management which is critical for the sustainable development of smart cities. This review paper explores the integration of blockchain technology in smart city frameworks which is considered timely. It further synthesises findings from recent literature in blockchain applications across six key components of smart cities: digital infrastructure, urban mobility, public safety, public health, environmental resource management, and governance. As cities evolve to meet the demands of rapid urbanisation, the decentralised and immutable nature of blockchain offers unique advantages for building transparent, secure, and efficient urban ecosystems. This paper also examines possible future trends that point towards a future where blockchain serves as a foundational layer in smart city infrastructure. By summarising current applications and identifying future research directions, this review paper provides a comprehensive resource for future researchers and policymakers who are aiming to leverage blockchain in the development of resilient and citizen-focused urban environments.