The image of a smart city in the context of its impact on the residents

The aim of the article is to present selected assumptions related to the concept of a smart city in the context of its role and impact on the residents. Satisfaction of the residents resulting from the improvements in their quality of life is a basic measure evaluating the activity of local authorities. Their positive attitude to the innovations is an important factor in the socio-economic changes taking place in the city. Rzeszów was chosen as an example for empirical verification. This city is a model example of implementing innovative solutions within the city. The selected areas for implementing innovative solutions in Rzeszów and the opinions of the residents on the development of a smart city are presented against the background of theoretical assumptions concerning the concept of a smart city. Under the promotional slogan “Rzeszów - Capital of Innovation”, intense activities occurred in the field of implementing smart solutions, which were appreciated both in the external environment and among the internal stakeholders, especially the residents. The residents' opinions on the innovative solutions implemented in Rzeszów are demonstrated on the basis of the results of surveys carried out in 2018 with a sample size of n = 300. The study showed that the residents have a definitely positive attitude towards implementing innovative solutions in the city. The study also indicated that there is a statistical relationship between education and the assessment of the city's activity in this area. It was observed that the higher the level of education, the more positive the attitude to the implemented innovations.