Smart cities in Czech regional development strategies: Key challenges and barriers

The article examines the extent to which the Smart City (SC) concept is integrated into regional development strategies in Czechia, responding to the growing importance of smart approaches and the persistent inconsistencies in their strategic application across regions. The aim of the study is to evaluate how Czech regions incorporate SC principles into their strategic documents and to identify the main barriers that hinder their effective implementation, ultimately offering recommendations for more coherent and results-oriented regional smart development. The analysis is based on a qualitative content assessment of 21 strategic documents, including both general development strategies and dedicated smart strategies, with attention given not only to the presence of SC elements but also to their depth, structure, and thematic orientation. This approach made it possible to uncover substantial differences in the way regions conceptualize and operationalize smart principles. The results show that although all regions address the SC concept to some degree, the level of integration varies considerably, with only half of the regions having a standalone smart strategy and even these differing widely in their structure, priorities, and strategic logic. The study identifies nine key barriers, such as conceptual fragmentation, inconsistent methodological approaches, insufficient stakeholder involvement, and a pronounced implementation gap that limits the translation of strategic intentions into practice. These barriers are mutually reinforcing and closely linked to broader administrative and strategic challenges at the regional level. The findings highlight the need for stronger national coordination, clearer methodological guidance, enhanced regional capacities, and more systematic stakeholder engagement.