Evolution of the Concept of “Smart City”: From Technocratic to Human-Centered Approach

The article examines the evolution of the “smart city” concept in the context of shifting governance paradigms — from the technocratic model of Smart City 1.0, focused on process automation, digital control, and infrastructure efficiency, to the human-centered model of Smart City 3.0, which emphasizes citizen participation, the development of social capital, and the prioritization of quality of life. The aim of the study is to provide a theoretical justification for the paradigm shift in digital urbanism, from object-based to subject–subject governance. The subject of analysis includes theoretical approaches to interpreting urban digital transformation, as well as practical implementations of these approaches in the Russian context. The research methodology integrates structural-functional analysis (T. Parsons’ AGIL model), the synergetic approach (I. Prigogine), and the concept of territorial capital development (V. V. Shcherbina). The empirical basis is formed by case studies of Moscow’s digital projects (“Active Citizen”, “City of Ideas”) and initiatives in Sevastopol. The interdisciplinary systems analysis applied in the study has made it possible to identify the key limitations of the Smart City 1.0 model: growing digital inequality, limited citizen participation, and risks of data monopolization. The article substantiates the need to assess digital maturity not only through technological metrics, but also through socio-humanitarian indicators — such as trust, inclusion, digital subjectivity, and cultural legitimacy. The theoretical contribution of the study lies in advancing an integrative framework for understanding urban digitalization, while the practical relevance is reflected in the formulation of evaluation criteria and directions for institutionalizing the Smart City 3.0 model in national and regional digital development strategies.