Educational Challenges and Opportunities in the Era of AI-Driven Smart Cities

Abstract

Objectives: This paper aims to identify and analyze the most significant challenges and opportunities of the educational processes in smart cities, from both the perspective of providers and beneficiaries. Prior work: Currently, there is an increased interest in achieving results in a very short time, a trend that also affects the knowledge acquisition and delivery. This has led to the emergence of numerous platforms offering courses in various fields, often with exaggerated promises. On the other hand, traditional education systems are generally more rigid, requiring long-term effort and determination. The highly dynamic life in smart cities, along with social, technological, and economic changes, has created new individual expectations and a constant need for adaptation. Naturally, these changes are also reflected in the educational process. Approach: Based on existing literature, this paper aims to identify and propose solutions for solving these challenges and exploiting the opportunities, focusing on integrating the latest and most efficient technologies, but only to the extent that they bring real benefits to the citizens of smart cities. Results: As a result, there are numerous challenges for institutions and organizations that provide education in a formal setting, requiring continuous adaptation to meet the expectations of both beneficiaries and the market (curriculum, teaching style, interaction methods, etc.). Implications: The numerous and diverse technologies used in smart cities need to be understood and utilized effectively to contribute to the goal of a better quality of life for citizens, in a cleaner and safer environment. This requires educational adaptation by providers to meet beneficiary and market expectations. Value: The value lies in the paper's focus on integrating the latest and most efficient technologies, but only to the extent that they bring real benefits to the citizens of smart cities.