A Cross-National Study on Sustainable Smart City Indicators and Their Influence on Life Expectancy—A Cluster Analysis of EU Countries

As a consequence of climate change and its negative impacts on the environment and on human health, the topic of sustainability has become an integral part of urban policy. Smart city initiatives around the world are focusing on different aspects of sustainability in order to provide better living conditions for their residents. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of selected smart city indicators on the average life expectancy as a variable for quality of life and well-being. Based on a Common Correlated Effects (CCE) model, Instrumental Variable Estimator with Common Factors (2SIV), and clustering regression model, EU countries were divided into three distinct clusters indicating common elements but also specificities of each group. The analysis confirmed the positive impact of GDP growth, renewable energy consumption, and the proportion of the population with a tertiary level of education on life expectancy. On the other hand, CO2 emissions and transport pollution have an adverse effect. The analysis provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between smart city variables and quality of life, and it may serve as a basis for informed and responsible decision-making by relevant urban stakeholders aimed at designing more sustainable, resilient, and healthier cities.