Digital Technology and Education Accessibility in Cities: A Necessary Condition for Open Innovation Development
Purpose: A key condition for the development of contemporary Smart Cities is the implementation of modern technologies and solutions based on open access to data on urban infrastructure functioning. In this process, the development of digital competencies among the urban community is also of significant importance. Both factors foster open innovation, for which the city constitutes a natural developmental environment. Emerging and developing economies face significant difficulties in meeting the above challenges, which may hinder the improvement of residents' quality of life and limit innovation potential. In the context of the presented conditions, the main objective of this article is to assess the availability of digital technologies as a necessary condition for the development of open innovation in 19 Polish cities. Design/Methodology/Approach: This article presents the results of empirical research conducted in 19 Polish cities with county rights in 2025. The study was carried out on a representative sample comprising 1,863 residents, using the diagnostic survey method with a standardized questionnaire. Respondents evaluated the availability of internet services and mobile telephony within their cities. The study also examined opportunities for developing digital competencies offered by both municipal authorities and private sector entities. The analysis of the collected empirical material was conducted using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and non-parametric statistical tests. Findings: Analyses indicate that the availability of telecommunication and internet solutions is low or moderate, which impedes the diffusion of knowledge and technology and may constitute a barrier to both smart city development and the promotion of open innovation. Respondents also rate the opportunities for developing digital competencies relatively low, both those offered by local authorities and those available on the market. Under such conditions, it will be challenging to match truly intelligent cities. Practical implications: The research findings also identify groups of respondents and cities particularly vulnerable to digital exclusion due to severely limited opportunities for utilizing modern technologies and enhancing digital competencies. The analytical and diagnostic conclusions can be utilized in urban management and supporting open innovation initiatives. Research limitations/implications: The main limitation of this article stems from the restriction of the research to Polish cities only. Nevertheless, the obtained results may serve as a basis for comparative analyses. They can also be generalized to other emerging or developing economies due to the large and representative sample. Another limitation is the small number of diagnostic questions, resulting from the exploratory nature of the study. However, this approach allows for more precise identification of directions for further analyses. Originality/value: The added value of the analyses presented here lies in providing a diagnosis of digital technology and education availability from the perspective of cities operating within an emerging economy characterized by low overall innovation levels and underdeveloped open innovation.