Smart living and quality of life : domains and indicators

Abstract

It has been suggested that smart living is the most important domain of a smart city and many studies propose that it is synonymous with resident quality of life. The main aims of this research were to understand better residents’ perceptions of quality of life issues and priorities in smart cities. The study (re)defines smart living using domains and indicators that were carefully selected from a systematic literature review, close analysis of previous studies and their methodologies, and a pilot test of a questionnaire in Budapest, Hungary. The research is considered timely because of Budapest’s relatively low performance in quality of life rankings in Europe and the lack of data on the needs of citizens. The main domains of smart living and their relevant indicators include housing, health, safety, education, environment, social cohesion, leisure, culture and tourism. Overall, the research aims to assist urban researchers and city agencies in the development of indicators of smart living when measuring resident quality of life. The results could be applicable to other post-socialist cities which have followed similar trajectories to Budapest, but the results are useful for almost any city that hopes to enhance quality of life by prioritising smart living.