تحلیل نقش فناوری‌های شهری نوین در بهبود کیفیت زندگی و سلامت شهروندان شهر تبریز با تأکید بر گروه‌های کم‌توان

Introduction

The rapid growth of urbanization in recent decades, coupled with the expansion of digital technologies, has led to the emergence of a new generation of urban environments known as Smart Cities. These cities aim not only to enhance the efficiency of urban services but also to improve quality of life, health, and spatial justice for all citizens, particularly for individuals with physical or mobility limitations. In developed countries, smart cities have evolved into socio-technological ecosystems that foster accessibility, independence, and well-being for people with disabilities. However, in many developing countries such as Iran, there remains a significant gap between technological potential and the actual improvement of living conditions for these vulnerable groups.

As one of Iran’s leading metropolitan areas, Tabriz has recently taken several steps toward establishing a smart urban infrastructure. Yet, the extent to which these technological transformations have contributed to the livability, accessibility, and health of citizens with disabilities remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aims to bridge this research gap by critically analyzing the role of emerging urban technologies in improving the well-being and daily life quality of people with disabilities in Tabriz, with a focus on inclusivity, equity, and urban justice.

Methodology

The research adopted a mixed-method approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative techniques to capture a comprehensive view of the phenomenon.

In the qualitative phase, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten experts in smart urban development, inclusive design, and disability studies. The data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding in MAXQDA, leading to the extraction of four core themes: Smart City Initiatives, Accessibility Enhancement, Inclusive Information and Technology, and Health and Wellbeing Improvement.

In the quantitative phase, data were collected from 383 households that included at least one person with a physical or sensory disability in Tabriz. The sample size was determined through Cochran’s formula for an unlimited population. A structured questionnaire with 16 items measured on a five-point Likert scale was distributed. Reliability was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha values exceeding 0.70, and validity (both convergent and discriminant) was established through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS software to test the relationships between the latent constructs.

Results and discussion

The qualitative analysis revealed that experts viewed smart technologies as transformative tools for redefining urban livability for all. They emphasized that technology should serve as a catalyst for social inclusion rather than an end in itself. Key areas identified included the creation of accessible urban spaces, the development of adaptive transport systems for disabled persons, human–machine interaction design, and digital platforms that encourage civic participation.

Quantitative results supported these insights. Among the four main constructs, Health and Wellbeing Improvement showed the strongest influence, indicating that smart health monitoring, digital medical services, and environmental quality management enhanced citizens’ sense of security, mental comfort, and satisfaction with urban life. Accessibility Enhancement also had a significant positive impact, reflecting the importance of inclusive design in transport, pedestrian pathways, and public spaces. However, Inclusive Information and Technology remained relatively underdeveloped, constrained by inadequate ICT infrastructure and limited user-friendly interfaces, which hindered the realization of full digital equity in Tabriz.

All relationships among variables were positive and statistically significant, confirming that smart technologies indirectly improve urban health and welfare by increasing accessibility and digital inclusion. These results are consistent with international studies such as Bricout et al. (2021) and Kolotouchkina et al. (2022), which emphasized the link between smart technology, inclusion, and social justice. The findings also align with Ne'matzadeh-Sarbanlar (2022), who argued that smart city development should be guided by human-centered and culturally sensitive approaches.



Funding

The qualitative analysis revealed that experts viewed smart technologies as transformative tools for redefining urban livability for all. They emphasized that technology should serve as a catalyst for social inclusion rather than an end in itself. Key areas identified included the creation of accessible urban spaces, the development of adaptive transport systems for disabled persons, human–machine interaction design, and digital platforms that encourage civic participation.

Quantitative results supported these insights. Among the four main constructs, Health and Wellbeing Improvement showed the strongest influence, indicating that smart health monitoring, digital medical services, and environmental quality management enhanced citizens’ sense of security, mental comfort, and satisfaction with urban life. Accessibility Enhancement also had a significant positive impact, reflecting the importance of inclusive design in transport, pedestrian pathways, and public spaces. However, Inclusive Information and Technology remained relatively underdeveloped, constrained by inadequate ICT infrastructure and limited user-friendly interfaces, which hindered the realization of full digital equity in Tabriz.

All relationships among variables were positive and statistically significant, confirming that smart technologies indirectly improve urban health and welfare by increasing accessibility and digital inclusion. These results are consistent with international studies such as Bricout et al. (2021) and Kolotouchkina et al. (2022), which emphasized the link between smart technology, inclusion, and social justice. The findings also align with Ne'matzadeh-Sarbanlar (2022), who argued that smart city development should be guided by human-centered and culturally sensitive approaches.

Conclusion

Overall, the study demonstrates that Tabriz is transitioning from a technology-oriented to a human-centered model of smart urbanism, where technology functions as a means to enhance human dignity, equity, and collective well-being. Despite challenges such as weak institutional coordination, limited digital literacy among urban managers, and uneven access to technology, positive trends—such as growing public awareness and improved digital infrastructure—indicate steady progress.

The research concludes that the realization of a truly inclusive smart city in Iran depends on integrating participatory governance, data-driven urban policy, and inclusive spatial design into municipal planning frameworks. Technology should not merely serve modernization but should empower marginalized citizens to become active participants in shaping their urban futures.