A smart city is an innovative concept that aims to improve urban services, encourage economic activity, develop innovative solutions, and strengthen collaboration between different actors (Smith and Johnson in J Urban Plann Dev 149(1), 78–95 2023). Smart cities aim to support regional economic development by creating an ecosystem that attracts and nurtures entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses. This can be achieved by providing digital infrastructure, promoting innovation hubs or creating networks between business, research and administration (Wilson and Taylor In J Urban Econom 130, 103–121 2022). In addition, communicating these opportunities to the outside world plays an important role in increasing the attractiveness of the city for potential investors and skilled workers. The All Ireland Smart Cities Forum defines a smart city based on four main aspects, which are explained in more detail below.