Abstract:
Urban development faces challenges of sustainability and efficiency. Integrating Internet of Things (IoT) into smart infrastructure offers potential solutions, but requires comprehensive understanding and implementation strategies. This research explores integration of IoT in smart infrastructure to foster sustainable urban development. It aimed at identifying opportunities and challenges and proposed strategies for effective implementation. The study objectives were: to assess the current state of urban development and the role of IoT in enhancing sustainability, investigate IoT technologies and their applications in smart infrastructure for urban settings, identify challenges and barriers to integration of IoT in urban development projects, and propose strategies for effective implementation of IoT in smart infrastructure to achieve sustainable urban development goals. A mixed-methods approach integrates literature review, case studies, and expert interviews. The study targeted urban planners, policymakers, technology experts, and stakeholders involved in urban development projects and IoT implementation. Sampling techniques included purposive sampling of urban planners, policymakers, and technology experts. Data collection utilized surveys, interviews, and document analysis. Surveys gather quantitative data on IoT adoption and perceptions, while interviews and document analysis provide qualitative insights into implementation strategies and challenges. Quantitative data underwent statistical analysis to identify trends and patterns in IoT adoption and perceptions, while qualitative data was thematically analyzed to extract key themes and insights regarding implementation challenges and strategies. Findings suggested that IoT integration in smart infrastructure offers significant potential for sustainable urban development, enabling efficient resource management, improved public services, and enhanced quality of life. Implications include the need for robust cybersecurity measures, stakeholder collaboration, and policy support to realize the full benefits of IoT in urban settings.