Publication

Smart Cities in Kosovo: Empirical Study on Citizens’ Preferences and Perspectives

Smart cities in Kosovo: Empirical Study on Citizens’ Preferences and Perspectives

The absence of robust studies addressing citizen needs, preferences, and perspectives concerning smart city services in Kosovo has created a critical knowledge gap. This deficiency inhibits the strategic alignment of technology-driven initiatives with citizen aspirations, thereby hindering the transformative potential of smart city development in Kosovo.

In a follow-up study initiative aimed at bridging this chasm, the Western Balkans office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and UBO Consulting undertook a comprehensive study focusing on the citizens of Kosovo’s seven regions. Engaging with 1568 participants, including those of Albanian and Serb ethnicities and other ethnic minorities, the study sought to gauge the citizens’ familiarity, utilization, apprehensions, and future inclinations towards smart city services.

This study utilized a structured questionnaire, primarily employing close-ended questions and responses on a 1-7 scale, to compile in-depth insights into citizens’ perspectives. By ensuring wide-ranging participation and accommodating diverse concerns at the very genesis of the study, it embodies the very essence of the smart city ethos.

The publication of this study marks a further stride towards an informed and citizen-centric approach to smart city development in Kosovo. It is expected to inform policy-makers, planners, and technology providers alike about the citizens’ pulse, thereby paving the way for customized, effective, and inclusive smart city solutions that resonate with the local populace.

In a broader sense, this study signifies an important step in the direction of realizing Kosovo’s digital potential. It aims to harness the power of smart city solutions to elevate the citizen experience, thereby promising a brighter, more connected, and inclusive future for Kosovo.