The quality of life in an urban innovation ecosystem: analyzing talents’ perception in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Purpose Talented people with interpersonal skills and competencies are pivotal for creating knowledge, innovation and organizational effectiveness, contributing to local development. In this regard, the quality of life is a critical factor in attracting and retaining talented people in any region. This study aims to analyze talents’ perception of the quality of life in an urban innovation ecosystem. This study considers talents to be the students from Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programs. Design/methodology/approach This study analyzes 263 students from three of the country’s most important universities located in the city of Porto Alegre in southern Brazil. This study examines the data using principal component analysis and cluster techniques. Findings The results indicate five clusters. The “Love for the city” and the “Mixed” ones portray high levels of a sense of belonging to the city, but differ, for example, in their perception on city infrastructure. Conversely, both the “Worried about education” and the “Worried about commercial services” ones express low levels of a sense of belonging in the city. The “Security” cluster portrays the highest level on security issues in the city. The cluster analyses provide detailed information on the factors valued by talents in urban innovation ecosystems. Originality/value To date, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first that uses cluster techniques to measure talents’ perception of the quality of life in an urban innovation ecosystem. The findings contribute to mapping talents’ perception and building profiles which may support the development of policies and programs to attract and retain qualified people in innovation ecosystems.

Urban residents' attitudes towards the impact of public spaces on urban life quality: the case of Adana

“…(2020) concluded that social vulnerability harmed ULQ, while Maclean and Salama (2019) found that cultural heritage sites were important for enhancing ULQ. They suggested that urban planners prioritize the creation of cultural amenities to improve ULQ. Other Factors: Additionally, some studies have examined the impact of other factors on ULQ, including housing (Khaef and Zebardast, 2016; Pan et al ., 2018; Ruengtam, 2017), health (Barreira et al ., 2021; Patil and Sharma, 2022), smart city technologies (Adhikari and Roy, 2021; Al-Qawasmi et al ., 2021; Foguesatto et al ., 2022) and safety and security (Alsaid, 2015; Mamuye and Gotu, 2015). In conclusion, ULQ and urban spaces are important topics extensively studied in recent years.…”

“…Other Factors: Additionally, some studies have examined the impact of other factors on ULQ, including housing (Khaef and Zebardast, 2016; Pan et al ., 2018; Ruengtam, 2017), health (Barreira et al ., 2021; Patil and Sharma, 2022), smart city technologies (Adhikari and Roy, 2021; Al-Qawasmi et al ., 2021; Foguesatto et al ., 2022) and safety and security (Alsaid, 2015; Mamuye and Gotu, 2015). In conclusion, ULQ and urban spaces are important topics extensively studied in recent years.…”