Carboni, StefanoVrabie, Catalin2026-10-222026-10-222026-07-07Carboni, S., & Vrabie, C. (2026). Editorial: From smart governance to institutional resilience. Smart Cities and Regional Development (SCRD) Journal, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.25019/4w8c9n892537-38032821-7888https://doi.org/10.25019/4w8c9n89https://debdsfdi.snspa.ro/handle/123456789/1257This is an Open Access article under the CC-BY 4.0 license, available at: https://scrd.eu/index.php/scrd/article/view/845 The author Vrabie Catalin is affiliated to SNSPA, Faculty of Public Administration.This editorial overview summarizes various research articles that redefine the smart city by prioritizing institutional resilience over mere technological adoption. The collection examines how digital tools must be anchored in ethical governance, transparency, and ecological sustainability to create genuine public value across diverse global contexts. Specific studies highlight the importance of nature-based solutions, the risks of algorithmic overconfidence, and the necessity of civil society engagement during times of crisis. Ultimately, the text argues that a city’s intelligence is measured by its accountability and its capacity to protect democratic values rather than its technical sophistication. These sources collectively shift the focus from digital infrastructure to the adaptive institutions required to manage modern urban complexity.enDigital TransformationPublic ValueAccountabilityCivic ParticipationEcological SustainabilityArticle