From concepts to connectivity: A systematic review of smart mobility antecedents and impacts

Mobility is the lifeblood of modern cities, influencing how people and goods move, businesses operate, and urban life is experienced. Rising congestion, emissions, and pressure on existing infrastructure have long plagued cities and are likely to persist in the foreseeable future. The question remains, whether smart mobility can contribute to a better life or will it merely make movement faster. Smart mobility, enabled by digital platforms, autonomous vehicles, and data-driven logistics, offers the potential for more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive transport systems. Research in this domain has grown over the past decade but remains scattered, hindering scholars' ability to synthesize core insights, identify persistent gaps, and chart clear directions for future research. This study seeks to address this gap through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) comprising 89 empirical studies published between 2013 and 2024 across the fields of transportation, information systems, and management. Drawing on insights from psychology, institutional theory, and behavioural and practice-based perspectives, the researchers developed an integrative, multi-level framework that organises the literature into micro-, meso-, and macro-level dynamics. The review identifies dominant thematic patterns, theoretical foundations, and methodological trajectories, while also exposing conceptual blind spots, geographical imbalances, and underexplored linkages across different levels of analysis. With this approach, the review not only consolidates current evidence but also articulates a structured and actionable agenda for future research, offering scholars actionable guidance to advance theory and practice in the field.