| Abstract [eng] |
Digital divide and its identification are particularly important in the context of designing smart city solutions. Although some progress has been made in reducing this issue, it remains highly relevant due to the constantly evolving digital technologies. The coronavirus pandemic increased the need for digital transformation, as it forced society to make a huge digital leap in their daily activities. However, at the same time, it posed additional challenges for those who face greater exclusion due to a lack of resources or the ability to use digital devices. While digital technologies provide cities with the opportunity to become more efficient and attractive, it is crucial to ensure that these solutions are accessible and inclusive to all city residents. The digital divide raises concerns about urban accessibility and inclusion, particularly for disadvantaged population groups lacking technological skills. Therefore, it is essential that smart city innovations commit to ensuring the accessibility of digital solutions to all demographic and social groups. Research object: identification of digital divide in the context of designing smart city solutions. Research aim: to substantiate a conceptual model that enables the identification of digital divide in the context of designing smart city solutions. The analysis of digital divide issues demonstrates that this matter is crucial in the creation of digital solutions within the context of smart cities, ensuring that all residents can benefit from the latest digital solutions that improve quality of life and city efficiency. The study revealed that urban planners sometimes insufficiently consider that not all residents have equal opportunities to use digital solutions due to a lack of skills or technology. The topic of digital divide is dynamic and changes along with technologies, making it important to regularly update research to effectively address emerging issues. The analysis of theoretical and practical assumptions of digital divide in the context of designing smart city solutions highlighted that the digital divide affects various social groups and manifests at three levels – technological, skills, and utility divide. The digital divide has a direct impact on the spheres of education, the labor market, and health services. Therefore, it is essential that the design of smart city solutions is carried out considering the needs of city residents to reduce the risk of digital divide. Based on the analysis of scientific literature, a digital divide identification model was developed, which allows the identification and addressing of digital divide issues in the process of designing digital solutions, ensuring that technology development is inclusive and beneficial to all city residents.The empirical research methodology, which is focused on the practical application of the conceptual model for identifying the digital divide, revealed that despite decision-makers' efforts to improve citizens' quality of life through digital technologies, the design of digital solutions sometimes diverges from the real needs of users, particularly vulnerable groups. This indicated a lack of direct involvement of target users in the creation of digital solutions, which can lead to solutions that are not suitable for all population groups and deepen the existing digital divide. To reduce the digital divide, it is also recommended to create a new position or a small team responsible for assessing digital divide risks, incorporate these identification criteria into all project development stages, and enhance the municipality's IT department with a function dedicated to identifying and reducing the digital divide. |
