Urban Economics and Planning

Urban Economics and Planning

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Improving Citizens’ Quality of Life with a Future Study Approach (Case Study: Mashhad Metropolis)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Aliakbar Anabestani 1
Jamileh Tavakolinia 2
Nasim Niknami 3
1 Professor, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
3 MSc in Geography and urban planning, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/uep.2024.442663.1461
Abstract
Introduction 
Artificial Intelligence (AI) permeates all aspects of human life, paving the way for numerous innovations and undoubtedly impacting individuals’ quality of life. Recently, people have increasingly been influenced by AI in their roles as citizens, as governments worldwide are increasingly relying on AI-based technologies. This technology, known by some as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0), will change how tasks are performed and our interactions with others and alter what we know about ourselves. With the continuous advancement of this technology, various facilities and services are being offered in cities, significantly impacting the quality of life for citizens. This technology can contribute to creating smart cities, improving urban security, optimizing public transportation, managing waste, enhancing healthcare services, reducing traffic and air pollution, improving urban communications, and many other aspects, ultimately aiding citizens in leading easier and better lives in their cities. Mashhad, as the second most extensive and populous city in Iran, is increasingly taking steps toward the use of AI technology. This neccessiatefurther studies and necessary infrastructureconcerning this subject to better utilize the technology. In this regard, the present research aims to move forward by identifying the key influential factors and drivers for improving the quality of life using AI in the future of the Mashhad metropolis. Therefore, the research question is: What are the key influential factors driving the role of AI in improving the quality of life for citizens in the Mashhad metropolis in the future? (by 2033).
Materials and Methods
The upcoming research method is a mixed method. In terms of purpose, it is an applicabile study. Also, in terms of methodology, this study encompasses descriptive-analytical techniques and a future-oriented framework. In this regard, the most influential factors affecting the role of artificial intelligence in improving the quality of life for citizens in the city of Mashhad have been evaluated. Data collection for the research was conducted through documentary methods (library resources and scientific journals) and fieldwork (utilizing questionnaire tools). The research population in this study includes 25 experts, specialists, and urban opinion leaders, including city managers (mayors of districts, deputies, officials of organizations, and urban area managers), members of the City Islamic Council, urban planning experts, and the officials of the Khorasan Razavi Road and Urban Development Department, particularly professors from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Islamic Azad University of Mashhad branch, non-profit higher education institutions located in Mashhad, and other urban domain specialists. To identify the key factors, structured interviews with some of the urban planning and information technology experts were conducted using the Delphi method. Subsequently, after consolidating the factors obtained from the interviews and reviewed documents in the research background, the validity and reliability of the variables were confirmed by experts, and ultimately, the factors were evaluated in the form of a future-oriented questionnaire.
Findings
By utilizing field and library studies, the most influential factors affecting the role of artificial intelligence in citizens’ quality of life were identified. Subsequently, using a quantitative future-oriented approach and the Micmac software, the significance and impact of the identified factors were measured. The research findings indicate that among the 24 influential factors in improving citizens’ quality of life with the use of artificial intelligence, after extracting the influential key factors (direct and indirect), six key drivers: governmental policy making in the field of information technology and artificial intelligence, coordination and collaboration between governmental, non-governmental, and urban management sectors towards the optimal utilization of AI technology, management of smart energy networks’ development (for example, electricity) in cities through the use of artificial intelligence, organizing the state of international communications and limitations as a prerequisite for artificial intelligence, cost-effectiveness and affordability of utilizing artificial intelligence for citizens, and the role of artificial intelligence in promoting good urban governance have had the most significant impact on improving citizens’ quality of life with the use of artificial intelligence in the city of Mashhad.
Conclusion
In summary, it can be stated that governmental policymaking and urban management can promote technological development by supporting and providing financial incentives to technology companies. Implementing appropriate policies can help in improving urban services, optimizing resources, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency, ultimately contributing to the realization of smart cities. Transparency can further bolster citizens’ trust in the government and urban administrators. This sector, while safeguarding citizens’ rights, can also be effective in achieving sustainable development goals. Additionally, coordination and collaboration among governmental, non-governmental, and urban management sectors in utilizing artificial intelligence can have significant positive effects on the efficacy and efficiency of this technology in cities, enabling data sharing, innovative solutions, and more. Organizing the state of international communications can facilitate the exchange of experiences and knowledge, standards and laws development, data and resource exchange, and international collaboration. The cost-effectiveness and affordability of artificial intelligence facilities in cities and organizations can lead to increased technology access, cost reduction, improved efficiency, and accelerated innovation processes, thereby fostering a competitive technological environment. This can contribute to the development of advanced technologies, increase competitive capabilities, and attract investment. Artificial intelligence can play a crucial role in good urban governance, influencing smart decision-making in a large city, and facilitating automatic and precise activities such as traffic management, waste management, pollution control, and urban security monitoring. Moreover, in terms of citizen communications, it can enable citizens to easily communicate with urban organizations, express complaints, suggestions, and improve urban services. In the realm of governance, artificial intelligence’s role in monitoring and preventing crises, prediction, and appropriate planning for dealing with them can be effective. 
Keywords
Artificial Intelligence
Future Studies
Mashhad Metropolis
Quality of Life

Subjects

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Urban Economics and Planning
Volume 5, Issue 1
Winter 2024
Pages 6-21

  • Receive Date 10 February 2024
  • Revise Date 06 March 2024
  • Accept Date 30 April 2024