Capterra has announced the findings of its latest study, showing that most Australian city residents (86 per cent) think introducing a smart city will improve their quality of life.
The study, designed to encourage SMEs to consider contributing to smart city growth, also revealed that 75 per cent 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 per cent) 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 per cent), followed by greater security (30 per cent).
Additionally, 41 per cent 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 per cent).
When further asked what the major obstacle to developing smart cities was, 55 per cent 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.
However, the outlook is favourable as, despite these concerns, 77 per cent of survey-takers trust surveillance technologies with their safety.
Capterra Australia Content Analyst Laura Burgess 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.”