The influence of entrepreneurship on the relationship between tourism performance and quality of life in brazilian smart cities

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluates the influence of entrepreneurship on the relationship between tourism performance and quality of life in Brazilian smart cities. Methodology: Secondary data from the 100 cities included in the Connected Smart Cities Ranking 2024 were analyzed using the TOPSIS technique and linear regression to test the moderating effect of entrepreneurship. Findings: The results reveal that entrepreneurship does not have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between tourism and quality of life, leading to the rejection of the proposed hypothesis. However, a significant direct relationship between entrepreneurship and quality of life was identified, with a negative coefficient indicating that small-scale, lifestyle-oriented entrepreneurship may limit socioeconomic impacts in smart cities. Practical/Managerial Implications: The results show that entrepreneurship, in isolation, does not enhance the effects of tourism performance on quality of life, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and the use of data and information systems in urban and tourism management. Public managers and entrepreneurs should integrate technology and indicators to support decision-making and promote more sustainable business models. Social Implications: The study demonstrates that the growth of tourism and entrepreneurship alone does not guarantee improvements in quality of life, reinforcing the need for public policies grounded in information and knowledge. These findings contribute to the discussion on sustainable urban development, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 11 of the 2030 Agenda.