For a
T_0 space X, let
\mathsf{K}(X) be the poset of all nonempty compact saturated subsets of X endowed with the Smyth order
\sqsubseteq.
(\mathsf{K}(X), \sqsubseteq) (shortly
\mathsf{K}(X)) is called the Smyth power poset of X. In this paper, we mainly discuss some basic properties of the Scott topology on Smyth power posets. It is proved that for a well-filtered space X, its Smyth power poset
\mathsf{K}(X) with the Scott topology is still well-filtered, and a
T_0 space Y is well-filtered iff the Smyth power poset
\mathsf{K}(Y) with the Scott topology is well-filtered and the upper Vietoris topology is coarser than the Scott topology on
\mathsf{K}(Y). A sober space Z is constructed for which the Smyth power poset
\mathsf{K}(Z) with the Scott topology is not sober. A few sufficient conditions are given for a
T_0 space X under which its Smyth power poset
\mathsf{K}(X) with the Scott topology is sober. Some other properties, such as local compactness, first-countability, Rudin property and well-filtered determinedness, of Smyth power spaces, and the Scott topology on Smyth power posets, are also investigated.