Bridging the digital divide for Generation X and Boomers in the Western Balkan region through smart cities

Abstract

Western Balkan region is advancing in digital transformation, digitalization is not only a national priority for countries in the region but as well as it is a key regional priority especially due to the process of EU(European Union) integration. The focus of digitalization has mostly been digital infrastructures and digital infrastructure. The digital divide in the region persists even though the digitalization of workflow and services has evolved. The population in the region is getting older, Generation X and Boomers are expected to stay longer in the labor market and they will need more digitalized services, especially in terms of health e, e-services, and mobility. The main cities in the Western Balkan region have the ambition to be smart cities.  This paper aims to explore how smart cities in the Western Balkan region can help bridge the digital divide for Generation X and Boomers. Previous research has focused mostly on smart city functionalities to provide social inclusion to bridge the digital divide. STAM (Senior Technology Adaptation Model) provided a framework for explaining digital inclusion. There is no specific study on the topic especially focusing on the Western Balkan region. This study uses a system literature review approach to provide a framework for smart cities as catalysts for bridging the digital divide in the Western Balkan region. This study provides a framework for Generation X and Boomers in the Smart Cities in the Western Balkan region not only as citizens but as well as workers. This study is useful not only for researchers in the field but as well as for policymakers in the region while setting national and regional priorities in digital inclusion.