Introduction: In the contemporary landscape, cities have assumed a pivotal role in the global arena, acting as epicenters for the continual generation and evolution of knowledge. In an era marked by globalization and rapid technological progress, the success of cities is intricately linked to their capacity to innovate and lead in the realms of "smartness" and "fundamental knowledge." This article endeavors to delve into the comparative analysis of variables and methodologies employed within the spheres of smart cities and the knowledge society. Through a meticulous review of 72 scholarly articles, it aims to shed light on the dynamic interplay between these two domains, offering insights into how cities can harness their intellectual resources and technological infrastructure to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Methodology: Employing a systematic approach, this study utilizes a rigorous methodology to gather and analyze information from a diverse array of sources. Specifically, it adopts the "Sandlosky and Barsoum method" along with QASP tables for the systematic coding of the gathered information. The Sandlosky and Barsoum method provides a structured framework for organizing and categorizing data, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the themes and variables present in the reviewed articles. Additionally, the incorporation of QASP tables enhances the analytical process by enabling researchers to evaluate systematically the quality, appropriateness, scope, and relevance of the extracted data. By employing these robust methodological tools, this study ensures a thorough and structured analysis of the wealth of information obtained from the reviewed literature, thereby enhancing the reliability and validity of the research findings. Results: The study's examination of the theoretical framework surrounding intelligent knowledge underscores its multifaceted nature, deeply intertwined with various domains such as smart cities, fundamental knowledge cities, knowledge societies, information societies, learning cities, and knowledge spaces. Through an extensive analysis of literature spanning from 2000 to 2023, it becomes evident that within the discourse of "smart cities with an emphasis on the knowledge society," five core components consistently emerge as focal points: governance, economy, environment, culture, and technology. Governance delineates the organizational structures and policies essential for effective management and utilization of urban intellectual resources, while the economy highlights the imperative of fostering knowledge-driven growth and innovation. Environmental sustainability is underscored as crucial, alongside the promotion of cultural vibrancy and inclusivity, both of which contribute to the social fabric and identity of smart cities. Technology serves as a linchpin, facilitating digital transformation and innovation necessary for advancing the agendas of knowledge societies within the context of smart urban environments. Discussion: The findings underscore the paramount importance of the identified components in shaping the discourse surrounding smart cities and the knowledge society. The integration of governance, economy, environment, culture, and technology emphasizes the complex and interconnected nature of urban development, technological integration, and knowledge dissemination within contemporary urban environments. This holistic approach highlights the necessity of considering various dimensions concurrently to achieve sustainable and inclusive urban growth. Additionally, the discussion accentuates the pivotal role played by eminent scholars such as Iği̇t Kanlar, VanLo, and Alğar in shaping the conceptual framework of the study. Their contributions have significantly enriched our understanding of the dynamic interplay between urbanization, knowledge creation, and technological innovation. Furthermore, the study acknowledges the influential contributions of scholars like Kanlar, Florida, and Ergazakis, who have been instrumental in defining the variable of a "fundamental knowledge city." Their insights have helped delineate the essential characteristics and parameters necessary for cities to evolve into hubs of fundamental knowledge and intellectual innovation, thus driving forward the discourse on smart cities and knowledge societies. Conclusion: In this research endeavor, a comprehensive analysis of 72 articles was undertaken to delve into the intricate variables of "smart city, knowledge-based city, and knowledge society." Through a meticulous examination, the conceptual framework delineated the components essential for a smart city, prioritizing them in terms of importance. These components encompassed an array of dimensions, including intelligent society, government, economy, environment, life, access, and technology, reflecting the multifaceted nature of contemporary urban development. Subsequently, by employing a scoring system, the articles were evaluated to ascertain the significance of various aspects about a knowledge-based society, such as its economy, environment, management, communication, and culture. Similarly, regarding the variable of the knowledge society, components like economy, culture, governance, environment, and technology were identified and ranked in order of importance, elucidating their pivotal role within the broader framework of smart city development. Notably, the research underscored the importance of knowledge society as a crucial component within smart cities, influencing external factors like the economy, governance, culture, technology, and environment. Furthermore, it highlighted internal factors within knowledge society, including tolerance, diversity, interaction, human justice, participation, and human capital, underscoring their role in shaping the fabric of urban life. Throughout this conceptual framework, the interconnectedness of knowledge society with other dimensions of smart city development was elucidated, emphasizing its pivotal role in the establishment of smart and knowledgebased cities. Moreover, the significant contribution of esteemed scholars in formulating and analyzing this conceptual framework was duly recognized, reflecting their expertise and influence in shaping the discourse on urban development and knowledge societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]