The rising importance of the "Smart territory" concept: definition and implications

•The “Smart territory” concept emerges strongly not only as an extension of the smart city concept but also as opposed to it.•The “smartisation” of cities can produce a digital gap, particularly in rural areas that do not have the services and capabilities that citizens in urban areas enjoy.•This is the first work fully focused on reflecting on the concept, its relevance and the reasons for its emergence.•The concept of "smart territory" can help operationalize territorial cohesion in the EU. The “Smart territory” concept emerges strongly not only as an extension of the smart city concept but also in opposition to it. The “smartization” of cities can produce a digital gap in the territories, particularly in rural areas that do not have the services and capabilities that citizens in urban areas enjoy. This is the first study fully focusing on the concept of ‘smart territory’, its relevance and the reasons for its emergence. It is also a wake-up call about the benefits of its momentum in the field of digital public policies, particularly in Europe. The beginning of the EU programming period 2021–2027 represents a good opportunity to include clear initiatives for smartization in the Territorial Cohesion Policies, expanding their wider scope and operationalization to different geographical areas.