From digital divide to consumer adoption of smart city solutions: A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis

Abstract

The research dedicated to the digital divide has been on the rise over the last three decades, although the individual level of such a phenomenon remains underexplored. This is in line with the citizen-centric trend noted in the research pertaining to consumer reluctance to adopt digital innovations aimed to improve the quality of life as part of smart city solutions. According to studies, consumer participation in development and modification of smart city solutions, for which a city provides the required access and infrastructure, tends to augment their value for consumers thereby boosting their willingness to accept those smart city solutions. By intertwining these research streams, the article explores the factors determining the individual level of digital divide which relates to consumer adoption of smart city solutions through the bibliometric and systematic literature review analysis. The paper aims to propose the antecedents and factors of consumer adoption of smart city solutions based on Motivation, Opportunity, Ability framework underlying the digital divide phenomenon. The results revealed the factors related to motivation, cognition and competence which are to be considered conjointly rather than step-wise. Due to the multifaceted nature of smart city solutions, motivation is triggered by various factors discussed by behavioural, innovation diffusion and technology acceptance theories. By definition, smart city solutions derive from the extant solutions of urban challenges. Hence, competence is related to the previous experience, whereas cognition and willingness to innovate refer to the intention to adopt novel smart city solutions. Theoretically, the study provides propositions to further empirical research in the consumer smart city solutions adoption field. Managerially, it presents the factors to be considered prior to launching smart city solutions.

A readiness assessment framework for the adoption of 5G based smart-living services

“…Although not present in the original UTAUT2, Trust has been identified by researchers as important factor to influence Behavioral intention (Almuraqab and Jasimuddin 2017 ; Malchenko 2020 ; Chao 1652 ; Alalwan et al 2017 ). SSA model (Habib et al 2020 ) differentiate Trust in technology and Trust in government as two key factors influencing users’ behavior.…”

“…Increasing importance of the security and privacy for the acceptance of the smart (Ericsson Consumer and IndustryLab 2021 ; Pal et al 2021 ; Malchenko 2020 ; Habib et al 2020 ) has been reflected in the construct Perceived security and privacy.…”

“…Yeh ( 2017 ) considers that the innovation concept has a positive impact on citizens' acceptance and usage of the ICT-based smart city services, while citizens’ innovativeness has a positive moderative effect. In the extensive bibliometric analysis, Malchenko ( 2020 ), has identified a different set of factors, that according to the existing literature can influence people’s intention to adopt smart city solutions. These factors include (Malchenko 2020 ): Motivation, Cognition, Digital skills and competence; Privacy concerns; Commitment, Attitude to the city, Participation in the city’s life; Attitude, Subjective norm, Perceived behavioral control; Previous experience; Perceived ease of use, quality, and benefit; Enjoyment and attractivenessrelated to the new solution; Innovativeness and risk attitude; Civic trust; Age, gender, employment status and level of education.…”

Mapping of Global literature on Digital Divide in Education: A Scientometrics Analysis Based on Scopus Database

“…Due to adverse circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering school and university curricula have recently been transformed into a digital mode (Milanesi, 2020). Many people are being exposed to digital technology because of this situation, and they are being forced to adopt solutions to accomplish their work (Malchenko, 2020). It is evident that information and communication technology (ICT) helps improve people's lives.…”