Developing the N-SCIM Framework as an Integrated Framework for Smart City and Regional Ecosystem Governance

Smart City research has advanced significantly during the last two decades; however, many existing frameworks remain fragmented in their treatment of technology, governance, sustainability, regional development and quality of life. This study develops the N-SCIM Framework (Nikolov Smart City Integrated Framework) as an integrated conceptual architecture for smart city and regional ecosystem governance. The paper applies a qualitative theoretical-applied methodology based on systematic literature review, comparative conceptual analysis and conceptual synthesis. The results establish the theoretical foundations, definition, core principles, dimensions and comparative positioning of the N-SCIM Framework. The framework integrates smart governance, smart economy, smart people, smart environment, smart mobility and infrastructure, and smart technologies and data within a unified smart regional ecosystem. Unlike traditional models, N-SCIM positions quality of life, sustainability and adaptability as the central outcomes of territorial intelligence. The study contributes to smart city theory by extending the analytical perspective from isolated urban systems toward interconnected regional ecosystems and by incorporating AI-enabled and data-driven governance as structural components of contemporary territorial management. Future research should operationalize the framework through indicators, the N-Score composite index and empirical validation across different urban and regional contexts.