A Conceptual Model for Creating Smart Cities in Czechia Based on Smart Specialization

Abstract

The modern 21st century makes developed countries introduce advanced IT technologies, such as smart solutions, which penetrate into the public administration environment and are used by municipalities to improve the life of citizens. Modern programs for developing and implementing “smart city” solutions are focused primarily on the interests and needs of the population. As a result, this trend directly affects the development of tourism by improving the quality of tourist services. The purpose of the study is to offer a conceptual model for creating “smart cities” in Czechia based on smart specialization in the tourism industry by introducing modern technologies and innovations, which will result in bettering the quality of tourism services, increasing the number of tourists and improving the image of the city as a tourist destination. The methodological approach to this study is a systematic literature review. The authors identifies which “smart cities” are effective, efficient, productive, sustainable and unsustainable, and the difference between effective and productive “smart cities”. The creation of “smart cities” in Czechia on the basis of smart specialization in the tourism industry is substantiated. It is noted that the size of the city and the number of its inhabitants do not affect the creation of a “smart city”. Increasing the tourist attractiveness of Czech cities will enable cities of any size to become “smart”. The authors have determined which components of the developed conceptual model will affect its effectiveness. The findings indicate that the impact of new technologies, thanks to the advanced implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) applications, play a crucial role in data collecting and sharing for the “smart cities” development. The article mentions examples of successful implementation of the concept in the Czech cities of Prague, Hradec Králové and Brno. In general, a “smart city” of Czechia can make the tourism industry more accessible and efficient for both tourists and locals, ensure the sustainability of tourism in the city and increase its competitiveness in the tourism market.