Improving quality of life perception with ICT use and technological capacity in Europe

New article of ICRG in a Top Journal

Technological Forecasting and Social Change (IF:3.815; JCR19; Q1)

Happiness and Quality of Life

Highlights

• We review the concept and measurements of quality of life.
• We analyse the relationships between quality of life and ICTs.
• Use of new technologies and technological capacity are key in the citizens' development.
• There is a clear relationship between technology and quality of life in European regions.
• The digital citizen is happier and values living in regions with high technological capacity.

Abstract

Quality of life is a key element in the sustainable development of countries, regions and cities. However, due to the difficulties involved in measuring it, there are no clear criteria as to which aspects of the economy should be enhanced in order to improve life conditions. In this respect, just as in the past literacy enabled human development and integration, these days, the use of new technologies and technological capacity are key elements that facilitate citizens' development. In this study, we use the information available in the Flash Eurobarometer 419 and Eurostat data on Information and Communications Technology to analyse the factors that Europeans consider key to achieving a better quality of life. We can thus see how the use of new technologies and technological capacity influence these factors. This analysis has been carried out at the highest level of disaggregation possible given the available information, and includes a total of 79 European NUTS 2 regions. The results reveal a clear relationship between technology and quality of life; the digital citizen is happier and values living in regions/cities with technological capacity, which invest in R&D, and which are committed to achieving sustainable growth.