Songling Chang

AIMS OF THE PAPERThe aim of this study is to examine the association between smart city development and residents’ qualityof life in Budapest. This includes evaluating urban consumers’ perceptions and attitudes towards existingsmart solutions in the city across various aspects of their life. METHODOLOGYThe research employed a trilingual questionnaire (English, Hungarian and Mandarin Chinese) to accommodateBudapest’s diverse population of resident consumers. The data collection yielded 453 valid responses.Distribution occurred through both electronic platforms (web-based interfaces, QR codes, DistrictForums, expatriate networks) and paper-based instruments, which were completed by interviewers in variousdistricts of the city. MOST IMPORTANT RESULTSRespondents generally have a positive image of Budapest, and they find the city relatively safe. Budapest’surban environment is rated quite positively, especially the city’s atmosphere. Consumers find public transportefficient, easy to use and easy to navigate. Smart transportation-related services (mobile apps, ticketing,electronic information boards) were rated highly. However, respondents are not so happy with theparking situation and overall traffic management. They are least happy with the quality and cost of housing,followed by healthcare and low salaries compared to the cost of living. Also, they do not see Budapest asa very clean or sustainable city. RECOMMENDATIONSIt is important to build on the city’s strengths (e.g., efficient transport system, cultural attractions, goodatmosphere) and to address apparent weaknesses (e.g., cleanliness, lack of parking). The city should bemade safer for certain groups of residents (e.g., women) and the number of local green spaces should beincreased for older residents who might find it harder to access central locations. Sustainability needs tobe communicated more prominently, and residents, especially those less confident (e.g., older residents),should be encouraged to use smart tools.

Despite its popularity in urban studies, the smart city (SC) concept has not focused sufficient attention on citizens’ quality of life (QoL) until relatively recently. The aim of this study is, therefore, to examine the concept of QoL in SCs using a systematic review of 38 recent articles from 2020–2022. This includes definitions and concepts, indicators and domains that are used to measure QoL, and the typical research methods that are used to collect data. The review analyses some of the main themes that emerge from the field of SCQoL which include smart urban governance, sustainability, smart living, participation, and social inclusion. The findings from this SC and QoL research can help city planners to prioritize which domains are the most important or meaningful for citizens and which services to invest in. It has been suggested that smart living is the most important domain of a SC. However, various studies have found that citizens experience SC initiatives holistically and that QoL is quite dependent on context in terms of priorities. Therefore, citizen participation strategies should be tailored and adapted to each respective context. SC governance also needs to be more long-term and strategic with real evidence that citizens are involved in decision making and problem solving and are not just passive recipients.