New article in Journal indexed (D1 JCR): CITIES

 

NOW it's published

10, July. Accepted new article in CITIES.

15, July, Published - Volume 153, October 2024, 105284

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2024.105284

Title: Quality of life in the urban context, within the paradigm of digital human capital 

Authors: Navarro, J.L.; López, V.R.; Huete, N. y Nevado, D. (2024)

Abstract: Human capital is crucial in the development of smart cities and directly impacts quality of life. Smart cities are not made only through their infrastructures and applied technologies but also by their residents' digital capabilities. In this paper, we analyze the relationship between citizens' digital capabilities and their perception of quality of life. Specifically, we use data from a survey in Spain in 2023 from citizens residing in cities with populations exceeding 100,000 with responses from 587 individuals.

The results reveal a significant correlation between the level of digital skills and various factors determining quality of life. Residents in densely populated urban areas show higher levels of social happiness when they possess greater digital capabilities. Additionally, one of the questions captured the citizens' digital capabilities, enabling the identification of three clusters. These clusters exhibit significant differences in access to essential services, job opportunities, and levels of social interaction. Residents with more advanced digital skills benefit from greater availability of services and higher-paying jobs, although they experience lower levels of social interaction. Therefore, we demonstrate the fundamental importance of human capital and digital ability as critical components in the construction of smart cities and the improvement of social happiness.

Keywords: Digital Skills, Smart cities, Urban planning, Quality of life, Social happiness, sustainability

Ponencias en ISEN_RED24 por el grupo ICRG en calidad de vida

Aquí puedes visualizar la síntesis de las ponencias que el ICRG llevó a el III Congreso ISEN_RED en abril en la villa de Quero (videos). En concreto la de comparativa en calidad de vida urbana y rural por la profesora Huete y el avance del concepto de 'smart rural area', con su medición en calidad de vida por los profesores López y Alfaro'.

Here you can view the summary of the presentations that the ICRG delivered at the III ISEN_RED Congress in April in the town of Quero (video in Spanish). Specifically, the one on comparative urban and rural quality of life by Professor Huete and the development of the 'smart rural area' concept, with its quality of life measurement by Professors López and Alfaro.

New article in 'Applied Research in Quality of Life'

Our new research is available in an international reference: Applied Research in Quality of Life (Q1-SSCI), with a supporting link from Springer Nature for full download and viewing. The observatory tests new relationships between quality of life and sustainability—don't miss out!

link accept manuscript version (open access): https://blog.uclm.es/victorlopez/

link from Springer Nature: https://rdcu.be/dHGib

Cite: Huete-Alcocer, N. ; López-Ruiz, V.-R. ; Alfaro-Navarro, J.L. and Nevado-Peña, D.  The Role of Environmental, Economic, and Social Dimensions of Sustainability in the Quality of Life in Spain. Applied Research in Quality of Life, 2024 (Q1); https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-024-10317-w

Abstract:

Environmental sustainability can positively affect quality of life by reducing environmental degradation and increasing access to natural resources, while economic sustainability initiatives can have both positive and negative impacts on quality of life, depending on the context. Social sustainability initiatives can also have both positive and negative impacts on quality of life, particularly for marginalized communities and low-income populations. The investigation draws on a comprehensive national survey in Spain encompassing 2,270 responses, ensuring representative profiles in terms of gender, residence, income, age, and economic sector. Considering the aforementioned factors, this research aims to underscore the necessity of recognizing the interconnections between sustainability and quality of life in policy and decision-making processes towards social happiness. To achieve this, an analysis of variance is presented, enabling the examination of significant differences in the sociodemographic characteristics of Spanish citizens across the three dimensions defining sustainability. Specifically, income, age and population size are key in determining the relationship between sustainability and social happiness. Furthermore, an econometric analysis has demonstrated a positive relationship between sustainability and quality of life in Spain. The key factors are safety, trust, income, and accessibility. The findings of this study can provide valuable insights to inform policy decisions aimed at promoting sustainability and enhancing the overall quality of life. The interlinked integration of smart cities and smart rural areas constitutes the quality of life zone that influences sustainability.

Campaña cuestionario de Felicidad Social 2024 OICV

Arranca la campaña 2024 sobre medición de calidad de vida y felicidad social para los residentes en España en 2024, desde el Observatorio de intangible y calidad de vida OICV pedimos su colaboración y planteamos el reto 5x5, cinco minutos para contestar nuestro cuestionario y cinco contactos de sus redes con quien compartir la encuesta, si es posible con residencia en una comunidad autónoma diferente a la suya. Necesitamos el mayor número de respuestas para lograr un análisis veraz de nuestra sociedad. Gracias por tu tiempo, sé feliz.

Enlace del cuestionario:   https://forms.office.com/e/ih09bgUnEa

QR del cuestionario:

Video con enlace y reto, reel.

Ayúdanos a investigar, esperamos TÚ Respuesta y la de TUS contactos! 5x5

El Observatorio analiza la calidad de vida en ISEN_RED24

En la tercera edición de ISEN_RED24 (Congreso de Investigaciones Noveles ante el Reto Demográfico) con temática en 'desarrollo sostenible y calidad de vida' el Observatorio planteó diversas cuestiones sobre la calidad de vida en España en 2023 y las tendencias sociales sobre sostenibilidad y capacidades digitales. Desarrollado en la Villa manchega de Quero por la Universidad de Castilla La Mancha, tuvo además como invitada a la Directora General de Mayores del gobierno regional, Alba Rodríguez Cabañero, explicando las diversas estrategias en bienestar social, analizando acciones sobre la soledad no deseada o la exclusión  digital de nuestros mayores. en el horizonte se plantearon acciones conjuntas del Observatorio y dicha conserjería. 

Seguimos divulgando. Noticia vinculada

El Observatorio en los medios con el Informe 2023

Transferencia investigación y divulgación de la mano tras nuestro informe 2023 y el análisis de las capacidades digitales. En Noticias CMM Televisión entrevista en 'felicidad social y calidad de vida' desde el Observatorio de intangibles y Calidad de Vida (Intellectual Capital Research Group) en la Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha. 
#SocialHappiness #calidad_de_vida_2023

https://www.cmmedia.es/play/tv/castilla-la-mancha-despierta/entrevista-victor-raul-lopez.html

También una extensa entrevista en Radio Chinchilla (Albacete)

Transfer over 'A model for Spanish society' Plos One (2021)

Based on our work published in Plos One (2021): The relationship between happiness and quality of life: A model for Spanish society, they contacted the OICV team to record an informative special from the university television in Bolivia of the Autonomous University Gabriel René Moreno with his academic Dr. Roger Alejandro Banegas, broadcast on Saturday, March 23, here now available.

Also in 'El Economista' México a new application of the model.