Capterra has revealed that most Australian city residents (86%) think introducing a smart city will improve their quality of life according to its latest study.
The study also showed that 75% of respondents living in a smart city want to live in an even ‘smarter city model’ with even more services.
Sydney residents were the most interested (80%) compared to those in other cities.
The survey, which includes responses from 1,022 city residents in Australia, examines their thoughts on smart cities and the pros and cons of smart city services.
When asked about the benefits of a smart city, increased sustainability was the biggest advantage (39%), followed by greater security (30%).
Additionally, 41% of respondents believe that developing smart cities should help make cities more environmentally friendly, reiterating that sustainability is at the forefront of smart city growth.
While smart services can improve urban living, smart city development and smart technology adoption may face several challenges.
Most respondents believe a lack of data protection is the biggest challenge to smart city development (69%).
When further asked what the major obstacle to developing smart cities was, 55% of survey takers said a lack of data privacy policies and regulations.
While surveillance technology may be crucial to enhancing public safety, local businesses should consider increased surveillance ranks as the second biggest challenge by half of those polled (50%).
However, the outlook is favourable as, despite these concerns, 77% of survey-takers trust surveillance technologies with their safety.
Laura Burgess, Content Analyst at Capterra Australia said, “While smart cities aim to improve the quality of life for residents, businesses need to partner with local governments and do their part in smart city development. Companies can implement initiatives within the workplace, such as recycling and waste management programs, to support areas of smart services like sustainability”.
