Perception of the concept of smart city from the perspective of cities and municipalities of the Slovak Republic

University of Zilina, Faculty of Operation and Economics of Transport and Communications, Univerzitna 1, 010 26 Zilina, Slovakia

^* Corresponding author: katarina.stofkova@fpedas.uniza.sk

Abstract

Research background: From time immemorial, settlements face various pitfalls and cope with a large number of problems on a daily basis. However, the 21st century also brings new challenges related to globalization, climate change, demographic change and many others. One of the answers or efforts to solve these problems are smart cities. Smart City as a concept of strategic management is a tool that primarily uses modern technologies to improve the quality of life of residents of individual cities and municipalities. At the same time, there is a synergy of various activities, the no less significant result of which is the achievement of economic and socio-economic successes.

Purpose of the article: The main purpose is to evaluate the innovations of individual municipalities and cities within the Slovak Republic. The intention is to evaluate the level of implementation of innovative solutions of cities and municipalities, to find out awareness of the concept of smart city, used strategies, projects, factors, technologies, and other elements of smart city.

Methods: The theoretical part was processed using the method of analysis and synthesis. In the practical part, the primary research was used to determine the attitude of cities, which was carried out in the form of a questionnaire.

Findings & Value added: Cities and municipalities expressed their attitude to implementation of concept of smart city, financial demands, return on investment and the importance of implementing the smart city concept in building a sustainable and competitive ecosystem.