Smart cities to create opportunities for young people

Abstract

The urban environments in the Smart Cities create spaces of well-being and coexistence, in a healthy and environmental friendly framework. The technology and respect for the environment are located in the core of these urban areas as a response to the demands of citizens. In the context of the European 2030 Agenda, the main concerns of young Europeans are analysed, particularly those related to technology, balanced development, decent jobs, and the environment. In the basis of a structural equation modeling, the relationship between the concerns about the universal and wide access to technology and those related to the specific problems of young people. This shows the importance of municipal policies in Smart Cities to meet the needs of young people and, as a consequence, achieve more balanced and sustainable development.