Abstract

The aim of the paper is to define a set of smartness and sustainability indicators applicable to Italian cities under the environmental, social and cultural dimensions. Following the DPSIR model, we select a bundle of indicators for three relevant sustainability domains (environmental, social, and cultural). Then, we define groups of homogeneous cities for each domain by using a two-step cluster analysis. Results show the existence of several groups of cities in the different domains, although persisting weaknesses characterize Italian cities within the European framework.