Innovating Urban Environments: The Impact of Smart City Technologies on Employee Performance, Quality of Life, and Service

Abstract

This chapter delves into how smart city innovations positively affect workforce efficiency, residents’ quality of life (QoL), and the delivery of services, particularly within the dynamic context of smart cities: innovation, development, transformation, and prosperity. It discusses the role of technologies like cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things, and intelligent transport systems in creating efficient, sustainable urban spaces that benefit the workforce and the broader community. The chapter highlights strategies for improving urban environments, ensuring workforce well-being, and fostering sustainable growth by examining the interplay between these technologies and urban living. The narrative emphasizes the necessity of ongoing innovation, policy support, and workforce adaptation, underscoring the importance of tailoring smart city initiatives to regional needs for maximal impact on employee performance, QoL, and service delivery. Additionally, it introduces a comprehensive framework designed to guide the development of next-generation smart cities. This framework integrates advanced technologies for optimized urban management and service provision, directly linking to enhanced employee performance through improved urban infrastructure and services. The strategic application of this framework aims to elevate economic prosperity and societal well-being, ensuring workforce efficiency is central to the urban development agenda. The enhanced employee performance, catalyzed by smart city innovations, is pivotal in driving economic vibrancy, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability, shaping the future of urban development. This analysis will offer valuable insights for smart cities research and development in the Gulf Region, suggesting pathways for implementing these concepts to address the region’s urbanization and development challenges.

Citation

Alakoum, A. and Nica, E. (2024), "Innovating Urban Environments: The Impact of Smart City Technologies on Employee Performance, Quality of Life, and Service", Lytras, M.D., Alkhaldi, A. and Malik, S. (Ed.) The Emerald Handbook of Smart Cities in the Gulf Region: Innovation, Development, Transformation, and Prosperity for Vision 2040, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 53-68. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83608-292-720241003