An investigation of the skilled workforce in smart cities from a human centered perspective

This dissertation examines human and labour dynamics within the context of smart cities, focusing on the social and economic dimensions of digitalization. At the research design stage, the study aimed to explore various dimensions of digital inequalities between rural and urban areas. However, as data collection progressed, firms difficulties in accessing skilled labour emerged as the central focus of the study. Initially intended to examine smart city investments based on the rural-urban distinction, the research objective was reshaped considering information obtained from interviews. The study investigates the relationship between the city and skilled individuals employed by large enterprises in Sakarya. This study employed a qualitative, exploratory research approach. The research focused on large industrial organizations in Sakarya and their difficulties in recruiting highly skilled employees. To this end, a multiple case study method and purposive sampling technique were employed. The sample was determined with the perspective of understanding the interactions between highly skilled workers and the city; it included engineers and human resources specialists who had lived in Sakarya for at least three years after migrating from major cities. In this context, face to face interviews were conducted with a total of 24 participants from eight firms operating in the same sector, including 12 human resources specialists and 12 engineers. The study followed an inductive research approach, moving from field data to theoretical interpretations. Data were collected through participant interviews and analysis of relevant documents, allowing for an in-depth examination of the impact of smart cities on the labour force. During the coding process, thematic analysis was applied, and the findings were interpreted in relation to theoretical approaches in the literature. The primary objective of this research is to examine how the opportunities provided by smart cities are reflected in the life experiences of the skilled workforce. The study seeks to answer the question, "what do STEM workers expect to gain from living in a smart city?" It analyses how social opportunities affect the living conditions of the labour force in smart cities and evaluates the positive and negative outcomes of these interactions on both individuals and institutions. The researcher defines smart cities as a living and thinking ecosystem in which technology is used as a tool and the basic dynamics are shaped by the intelligence, creativity and collaboration of individuals. Through thematic analysis during coding, seven main themes were identified in connection with theoretical approaches in the literature: social and cultural opportunities; physical-technological infrastructure and logistics; governance; family, relatives, and friendships; employment opportunities; natural beauty; and the environment. These themes provided significant insights into the life experiences of the skilled labour force in smart cities and formed the basis of the study's main findings. Findings suggest that the skilled workforce is influenced by social and economic constraints in urban settings. Although participants appreciated the city's natural beauty, infrastructure, affordability and lower traffic congestion, they consistently voiced concerns about the limited availability of social opportunities. Considering these results, the research concludes that enhancing social amenities and addressing these shortcomings are essential for strengthening the capacity of smart cities.