Quality of life in smart cities built from scratch

Purpose This article aims to investigate the impact of the “smart people” parameter on the quality of life in smart cities built from scratch. The focus is on Aspern Seestadt near Vienna, examined within the smart city framework. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 500 residents of Aspern Seestadt through stratified random sampling using online and paper-based surveys. A pre-test (n = 20) ensured instrument clarity, and a G*Power analysis confirmed sufficient statistical power (>0.80). Validated scales from the smart city literature were adapted for the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) in SPSS 21 and AMOS 21, supported by reliability tests, Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin and Bartlett's tests and standard model fit indices. Findings Settlements built from scratch, where the “smart people” approach is actively implemented, demonstrate high overall quality of life. The analysis underscores the critical role of this parameter in shaping public policies and guiding municipal management. Strategic incorporation of the “smart people” dimension significantly enhances the effectiveness of smart city initiatives. However, more structured strategies and clearer frameworks are needed to systematically embed this dimension into policy development. Originality/value This study examines smart new cities from a human-centric perspective by evaluating the “smart people” parameter and its impact on quality of life. Empirical evidence is provided on how education, social participation and openness to innovation influence residents' well-being. While previous research has focused on technological infrastructure and governance, the role of human capital is emphasized here as an active and measurable driver of urban experiences. Using SEM, the study offers a novel methodological approach to understanding interactions between human-centric smart city attributes and residents' quality of life.