Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.46672/zsl.10.11.5
DIGITAL SERVICES IN SMART CITIES: CITIZEN EXPERIENCE IN ZADAR AND OSIJEK
Petra Turčić
Maroje Višić
orcid.org/0000-0002-0012-528X
Abstract
This paper explores the implementation and effectiveness of the smart city concept in the Republic of Croatia, with a specific focus on the cities of Zadar and Osijek. Within the context of global urbanization and the necessity for sustainable development, the authors analyze how the application of modern technologies, specifically mobile applications and e-services, impacts the quality of life in urban environments. The research includes an analysis of the development strategies of the aforementioned cities and an empirical investigation of citizen attitudes and habits conducted on a sample of 100 respondents. The primary objective of the study was to determine the level of digital solution utilization and to examine
the correlation between user demographic characteristics, such as age, and their overall satisfaction. The results indicate that both cities offer a range of digital services (e.g., Smart-City Zadar, CityHub Osijek), with respondents in Zadar reporting a slightly higher level of general satisfaction compared to those in Osijek. Statistical analysis revealed no significant
correlation between age and the frequency of application usage. However, in Zadar, a positive correlation was confirmed between older age and higher satisfaction with the applications, suggesting varying expectations across generations, whereas no such correlation was found in Osijek. Furthermore, the paper highlights moderate citizen satisfaction with
public internet infrastructure and a general reluctance to pay for the use of municipal applications. In conclusion, the study emphasizes that technological solutions alone are insufficient; for the successful development of smart cities, it is essential to invest in digital literacy, promote education, and actively involve citizens in service creation to ensure they adequately meet real-world needs.
Keywords
smart cities, e-services, mobile applications, quality of life, citizen satisfaction, Zadar, Osijek
Hrčak ID:
343915
URI
Publication date:
31.12.2025.
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