From Technology to Social Inclusion: Citizens’ Perceptions and Priorities About Smart Cities in the District of Porto, Portugal

As cities strive to become smarter and more sustainable, it becomes crucial to understand how residents perceive and engage with smart city initiatives. This study intends to ascertain citizens’ perceptions and priorities regarding smart city initiatives in the district of Porto (Portugal). To achieve this objective, a quantitative methodology was employed. The population’s understanding of the “smart city” concept and their satisfaction with smart urban services’ availability, were analyzed through an online questionnaire answered by 171 inhabitants of the region. The results reveal that 61.4% of participants identified theirs as a smart city, with significant differences in perception between men and women and different age groups. Services related to environment and sustainability were the most frequently recognized (77.8%), while those related to “Economy and Innovation” received less recognition (53.2%). In a hierarchy of priorities for improvements, participants highlighted “Quality of Life”, “Security and Privacy” and “Environment and Sustainability” as fundamental axes. This study suggests the need for greater alignment between municipal initiatives and citizen expectations, highlighting the importance of citizen participation in the development of strategies for smart cities.