Mapping Digital Co-Creation for Urban Communities and Public Places

Increasingly digital communication, social media and computing networks put the end-users at the center of innovation processes, thus shifting the emphasis from technologies to people. In the private sector, this shift to user-centricity has been conceptualized under such approaches as Service-Dominant Logic and Open Innovation 2.0. Public sector conceptualizes the change through the New Public Governance and Open Government paradigms and suggest that the public value is no longer created by the governments alone but in collaboration between the public entities, private sector, civil society organizations and citizens. While traditional approaches to public engagement and governmental transformations remain relevant, this article focuses on the growing potential of networked urban communities to solve the social problems. It expands the co-creation research field and suggests a typology discerning co-creation patterns when enhancing the public spaces with a community-wide participation with the use of creative, innovative and cooperative Information and Communication Technologies’ applications. The sample for web-based monitoring consists of 10 digital applications linked with design and improvement of public spaces in Vilnius, Lithuania. The proposed typology framework gives an overview of the state-of-art in the interaction between people, places and technology. The research helps to discern how different technological, organizational and other social factors influence and shape the patterns of co-creative initiatives.


Introduction
The extent to which the place-oriented communities use creative, innovative and cooperative applications of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to support their activities is largely undocumented. Although technologies are used to create and maintain communities surrounding the public spaces, empirically-tested frameworks of sustainability, longevity and successful change factors are limited. The article is a part of the C 3 PLACES project which focuses on developing the strategies and tools to increase the quality of public open spaces through the use of digital tools by positively influencing co-creation and social cohesion effects. The C 3 PLACES generates knowledge and know-how to use the co-creation approach in order to merge the ICT with the functions of the public spaces. The project explores the new dynamics of open spaces as a trusted service for community and expands the understanding on how web-mediated public open spaces function, paying attention to the stakeholders, local context and different social groups. The article expands the co-creation research field and identifies key elements of digital co-creation for public spaces and communities. It proposes a typology of collaboration models between places, technology and people. This helps to explain how different technological, physical and social factors influence and shape the patterns of co-creative initiatives. The proposed framework combines the previous research efforts into a taxonomy which allows to assess and compare the digital co-creation initiatives.
Space framework [10]. Theoretical and empirical argumentation of the framework is extensively described in the previous works of the C 3 PLACES research group [11,12]. The physical space refers to the physical and functional conditions that make a place attractive by generating social integration and pleasure to involved communities. Digital space refers to the digital tools employed by the communities. It explains the technological readiness of the place for enabling co-creation and preconditions for the inclusiveness of public places. Social space refers to the communities, both localized and online, surrounding the public spaces. The different spheres of the spatial model are interdependent-they condition and transform each other. The capacity of the digital co-creation depends on their synergy. Digital co-creation refers to the local and digital communities hybridizing different domains of knowledge, concepts, languages and practices enabled by ICT through collective actions to spark transformations in public spaces.

Data and Methods
The intent of the mapping exercise is not to generalize the population of digital initiatives but to develop an in-depth exploration of the central phenomenon of digital co-creation by discerning the patterns in enhancing the public spaces (see Figure 2 below). Hence, the goals of the empirical investigation are two-fold. First, to develop insights on the involved actors, type of co-creative activities and objectives and to determine the linkages and synergy between the actors involved. Second, the study aims to get insights on the landscape of digital co-creation of public spaces and note the patterns of co-creation through intense study of particular co-creation cases. The mapping exercise was conducted using a web-based monitoring technique in order to build in-depth studies of digital initiatives. The process was divided in to four phases: development of research instrument, the identification of the sample of cases, the data collection, the evaluation and synthesis of results.   The physical space refers to the physical and functional conditions that make a place attractive by generating social integration and pleasure to involved communities. Digital space refers to the digital tools employed by the communities. It explains the technological readiness of the place for enabling co-creation and preconditions for the inclusiveness of public places. Social space refers to the communities, both localized and online, surrounding the public spaces. The different spheres of the spatial model are interdependent-they condition and transform each other. The capacity of the digital co-creation depends on their synergy. Digital co-creation refers to the local and digital communities hybridizing different domains of knowledge, concepts, languages and practices enabled by ICT through collective actions to spark transformations in public spaces.

Data and Methods
The intent of the mapping exercise is not to generalize the population of digital initiatives but to develop an in-depth exploration of the central phenomenon of digital co-creation by discerning the patterns in enhancing the public spaces (see Figure 2 below). Hence, the goals of the empirical investigation are two-fold. First, to develop insights on the involved actors, type of co-creative activities and objectives and to determine the linkages and synergy between the actors involved. Second, the study aims to get insights on the landscape of digital co-creation of public spaces and note the patterns of co-creation through intense study of particular co-creation cases. The mapping exercise was conducted using a web-based monitoring technique in order to build in-depth studies of digital initiatives. The process was divided in to four phases: development of research instrument, the identification of the sample of cases, the data collection, the evaluation and synthesis of results. Space framework [10]. Theoretical and empirical argumentation of the framework is extensively described in the previous works of the C 3 PLACES research group [11,12]. The physical space refers to the physical and functional conditions that make a place attractive by generating social integration and pleasure to involved communities. Digital space refers to the digital tools employed by the communities. It explains the technological readiness of the place for enabling co-creation and preconditions for the inclusiveness of public places. Social space refers to the communities, both localized and online, surrounding the public spaces. The different spheres of the spatial model are interdependent-they condition and transform each other. The capacity of the digital co-creation depends on their synergy. Digital co-creation refers to the local and digital communities hybridizing different domains of knowledge, concepts, languages and practices enabled by ICT through collective actions to spark transformations in public spaces.

Data and Methods
The intent of the mapping exercise is not to generalize the population of digital initiatives but to develop an in-depth exploration of the central phenomenon of digital co-creation by discerning the patterns in enhancing the public spaces (see Figure 2 below). Hence, the goals of the empirical investigation are two-fold. First, to develop insights on the involved actors, type of co-creative activities and objectives and to determine the linkages and synergy between the actors involved. Second, the study aims to get insights on the landscape of digital co-creation of public spaces and note the patterns of co-creation through intense study of particular co-creation cases. The mapping exercise was conducted using a web-based monitoring technique in order to build in-depth studies of digital initiatives. The process was divided in to four phases: development of research instrument, the identification of the sample of cases, the data collection, the evaluation and synthesis of results.    During the first phase, the research instrument-a data collection template-was developed based on the proposed conceptual framework (See Table 1 below). A data collection template makes the web-based monitoring process uniform and allows to discern the collaboration patterns between places, people and technologies. The template is divided into three sections: physical, digital and social spaces. In order to fulfil the overall project's goals, it was necessary to define the categories where the contribution of the ICT realm to the improvement of public open space is clearly identifiable. In addition, the availability of required content influenced the selection of the categories. During the phase two, sample cases were selected for the mapping research. To avoid contextual bias, the sample of initiatives was selected in unified context. The city of Vilnius, its public spaces and digital initiatives aimed at their advancements were analyzed. Vilnius is one of the fastest growing cities in Northern Europe. It is also a hub for political, economic, social and environmental change in Lithuania and the region as a whole [13]. The platforms in the sample were selected according following content criteria: (1)  P6-Pamatyk Lietuvoje (https://www.pamatyklietuvoje.lt/map). Interactive map visualizing and collecting information on Lithuanian heritage, touristic spots and public spaces. Initiated by citizens (four IT professionals and travel enthusiasts).
P8-Vilnius Talking Statues (http://www.mmcentras.lt/projects/). Digitalized stories about statues in the heart of Vilnius animated with the text and voices. Initiated by public organization (MO museum).
P9-VilniusGO (http://www.vilniusgo.lt). Presents cultural, historical and natural objects of Vilnius. Includes less popular objects, away from city center. Initiated by public organization (Central Library of Vilnius City Municipality).
P10-Vilnius Literature (http://www.vilniusliterature.flf.vu.lt). Literary cartography of Vilnius. Initiated by public organization (Vilnius University). Third phase refers to the data collection. The fieldwork was done in the period of December 2017-February 2018 by the C 3 PLACES research group in Vilnius. Empirical data was collected through the website content analysis and by contacting the platform initiators where the data was not available publicly. Website content analysis provided quantitative data on various aspects of website content, features and the presence of web analytic code. The content analysis was conducted according following procedure. Firstly, to gain a broad view of all the platforms, extensive notes were written down while going through the basic procedures of using the platforms (both web-and mobile-based) for example logging in, filling out profile information and providing input. Later, each platform was studied in more detail to collect information for the data collection template. After collection of data online, e-mail inquiries were sent to platform initiators regarding the missing data. The phase also included the systemic coding of textual content and semantic themes found on the platforms by reviewing uploaded documents, outgoing links, social media accounts, user activity and media. The template and the monitoring procedure applied allowed to structure unstructured online data.
The last activity was to summarize was to summarize the findings of all the subjects and draw conclusions on the patterns of digital co-creation. The data collected allowed the research group to build in-depth profiles of digital platforms. Comparison of the research data across the cases led to the generation of the insights on the dynamics of digital co-creation initiatives. The data were analyzed and compared between the cases to discern digital co-creation patterns by following information, collaboration and communication flows. Such content analysis enabled the breakdown of large amounts of data into categories and helped to identify the important concepts from the material. Co-creation here refers to the existence of formal and/or informal relationships between the digital platform initiators and their external partners where there is some degree of coordination towards common goals.
The described method has several limitations which need to be mentioned. The first limitation is the heterogeneity of Internet data which predetermined by the differences in content, user interfaces, semantics, structure, etc. The differences make it difficult for the researchers collecting online data [14]. Another limitation is the sample of platforms, due to its limited size, it does not present statistical significance. However, as the first exercise in differentiating the patterns of digital co-creation in enhancing the public spaces, it can be considered as an effort of structuring the sample. Further research on larger sample of platforms in several countries could allow building a more representative sample.

Results
The data collected provided insights on how different technological, social and physical factors of public spaces influence and shape the patterns of co-creative initiatives. Before discussing the results, it is important to note, that the platforms in the sample have some non-descriptive qualities in number of template categories-type of spaces involved, open source and tools. Data collected on these categories proved to be irrelevant in discerning the patterns. Nevertheless, they allowed to evaluate the context and content of co-creative processes.
The first theme of the analysis framework-space dimension-consisted of content describing the physical aspects of digital co-creation initiatives. The results (see Table 2) allowed to indicate the relationships of the place with the digital and social reals. The platforms in the sample deal with a wide range of public spaces. With the exception of P5 that concentrates on green urban spaces and P8 that focuses on the spaces surrounding statues. The level of interactivity allowed to understand how the public (locals and/or tourists) interact with the public space through ICT i.e. how tools help to enhance the communication. The majority of cases (P1, P2, P3, P4, P6, P9) employ digitalized media world in the form of interactive maps, visualized data. The interactions mostly happen without actual visit to the public space. P8 uses augmented reality tools in mediating the relationships between the space and the people. It allows the public visiting spaces to interact with the objects by using mobile device. Real time interaction in physical world are apparent in cases P5 and P7. Here the public is actually visiting the place and have real-life interactions in the forms of cleaning the place or documenting the problems. The relations between the communities and spaces were expressed in three ways-communities contributing and getting information (P1, P2, P3, P10), communities getting information/exploring (P4, P5, P6, P8) and communities enhancing places in form of ideas, complaints and/or suggestions (P7, P9). The second, digital space, dimension considers technological readiness of the place for enabling co-creation (see Table 3). The range of digital tools used in the sample platforms is quite limited. Most of the platforms (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P9, P10) use mapping and visualization applications to gather and disseminate content. Also, the majority of platforms use website-based applications. Opening of government data has been named as one of the most important catalyzers of the smart city and civic tech movements, thus data was collected in order to find out the prominence of open data usage. Only P3 and P7 take advantage of available open data. In addition, by using open source code the platforms can have more insights when designing tools suitable for their user groups and the initiators can use code created by other organizations and save valuable resources and time. However, the cases in the sample have not used the benefits offered by open source applications. The social space refers to the co-creative maturity of actors in responding to the social challenges and in generating the public value an evaluated through social orientation, relations to users, partners and stakeholders. Initiators of the projects are listed in Section 3 of this article next to the description of the sample.
The content analysis of the user groups (See Table 4) shows that, in most cases, initiators define the user groups employing very abstract terms. Majority of platforms listed citizens ("commoner", "locals", "habitants") of Vilnius as the main user groups of their platforms. The applications with the scope wider than Vilnius use similar vocabulary to define their users. Wider spectrum of users is missing, businesses, governmental organizations and other types of users mention only in few instances. Platform analysis by the social orientation expressed through their goals revealed that most of the digital initiatives focus on the disseminating information about localities (P1, P2, P4, P6, P8, P9, P10). Only few offer other engagement opportunities-"inform authorities" (P7), "preserve public spaces" (P5) and "make easier decisions" (P3). The partner analysis was conducted by analyzing the content of the platforms and public documents provided by the initiators. Partner analysis shows that platforms identify non-profit organizations and governmental entities as partners the most. Public orgs, NGOs, gov orgs (6 partners)

P7
"The function of app is to quickly inform authorities about problems in the city" Habitants of Vilnius N/A P8 "Share their intriguing stories" Tourists and locals N/A P9 "Does not limit its scope to well-known objects in Vilnius, but popularizes less important spaces" "Commoners of Vilnius" Gov orgs, educational orgs, business (5 partners) P10 "Our goal is different, for we see literature mapping not as armchair journey through a fictitious geography of Vilnius but as an invitation to walk the city with the eyes of a stranger." "Book fans and explorers" N/A * Illustrative quotes from platform content were used when available.

Findings and Discussion
This research activity was designed to bring insights on patterns in digital co-creation of public spaces to the surface, rather than to test firm hypotheses. The aim of the article has not been to explicitly test existing theoretical models. Instead, theory has rather been applied to empirical data in order to generate a theoretically informed interpretation of empirical data. The models of collaboration differ on actor dynamics, co-creative activities and linkages between dimensions of proposed conceptual framework. The dynamics of collaboration models are summarized in Table 5 and explained below in relation to the research results.
The first type of collaborative pattern identified during the mapping exercise is the scattered model. The model centers around shared activities, goals or values that are key to the community surrounding the platform. The involved actors have loose associations with one another but strong relation to the common interest. This is most accurately expressed in the cases P2 and P10 where a mutual passion for literature unites actors in enhancing the public spaces through the use of collaborative and interactive mapping. As in the cases P1 and P3 where shared goal unifies communities through the use of ICT. In the second, star-shaped model of collaboration, community in digital co-creation cases presents a star-shaped structure involving a central entity-the public space. Actors and stakeholders surrounding the place have strong connections to the place but weaker associations with one another. This is best expressed in platforms P7 and P9 that have a common goal of improving the quality of life in Vilnius. The people focus on the physical element through digital tools but do not form social connections. The core of third type, broadcast model, is digital space. The digital platform serves as a broadcast to spread the information, content and knowledge on enhancing public spaces. The digital tools (as in cases of P4, P5, P6 and P8) allow for organizing communities to enhance physical spaces. spaces to the surface, rather than to test firm hypotheses. The aim of the article has not been to explicitly test existing theoretical models. Instead, theory has rather been applied to empirical data in order to generate a theoretically informed interpretation of empirical data. The models of collaboration differ on actor dynamics, co-creative activities and linkages between dimensions of proposed conceptual framework. The dynamics of collaboration models are summarized in Table 5 and explained below in relation to the research results. The first type of collaborative pattern identified during the mapping exercise is the scattered model. The model centers around shared activities, goals or values that are key to the community surrounding the platform. The involved actors have loose associations with one another but strong relation to the common interest. This is most accurately expressed in the cases P2 and P10 where a mutual passion for literature unites actors in enhancing the public spaces through the use of collaborative and interactive mapping. As in the cases P1 and P3 where shared goal unifies communities through the use of ICT. In the second, star-shaped model of collaboration, community in digital co-creation cases presents a star-shaped structure involving a central entity-the public space. Actors and stakeholders surrounding the place have strong connections to the place but weaker spaces to the surface, rather than to test firm hypotheses. The aim of the article has not been to explicitly test existing theoretical models. Instead, theory has rather been applied to empirical data in order to generate a theoretically informed interpretation of empirical data. The models of collaboration differ on actor dynamics, co-creative activities and linkages between dimensions of proposed conceptual framework. The dynamics of collaboration models are summarized in Table 5 and explained below in relation to the research results. The first type of collaborative pattern identified during the mapping exercise is the scattered model. The model centers around shared activities, goals or values that are key to the community surrounding the platform. The involved actors have loose associations with one another but strong relation to the common interest. This is most accurately expressed in the cases P2 and P10 where a mutual passion for literature unites actors in enhancing the public spaces through the use of collaborative and interactive mapping. As in the cases P1 and P3 where shared goal unifies communities through the use of ICT. In the second, star-shaped model of collaboration, community in digital co-creation cases presents a star-shaped structure involving a central entity-the public space. Actors and stakeholders surrounding the place have strong connections to the place but weaker spaces to the surface, rather than to test firm hypotheses. The aim of the article has not been to explicitly test existing theoretical models. Instead, theory has rather been applied to empirical data in order to generate a theoretically informed interpretation of empirical data. The models of collaboration differ on actor dynamics, co-creative activities and linkages between dimensions of proposed conceptual framework. The dynamics of collaboration models are summarized in Table 5 and explained below in relation to the research results. The first type of collaborative pattern identified during the mapping exercise is the scattered model. The model centers around shared activities, goals or values that are key to the community surrounding the platform. The involved actors have loose associations with one another but strong relation to the common interest. This is most accurately expressed in the cases P2 and P10 where a mutual passion for literature unites actors in enhancing the public spaces through the use of collaborative and interactive mapping. As in the cases P1 and P3 where shared goal unifies communities through the use of ICT. In the second, star-shaped model of collaboration, community in digital co-creation cases presents a star-shaped structure involving a central entity-the public space. Actors and stakeholders surrounding the place have strong connections to the place but weaker The article summarizes current research progress and condenses the multi-dimensional realities for decision-makers in enhancing public spaces and maintaining urban communities. The empirical mapping exercise allowed to create a typology of digital initiatives based on the characteristic of the way in which the collaboration flows are structured. Proposed typology framework gives an overview of the state-of-art in the interaction between people, places and technology. Such typological models are illustrative of the ways in which co-creative initiatives can be designed and managed. It also proposes a basic typology of the ways in which different models' digital co-creation could facilitate different types of value production in enhancing the public spaces. Further research exploring these digital co-creation platforms in greater depth and applying comparable methods in other countries, would be useful to confirm or question proposed methodology. With an intention to provide the guidance on evaluation of ICT-enabled initiatives in terms of digital co-creation design and implementation the research team published a set of complimentary documents in a form of guidelines for digital initiatives commenced by citizens, governmental entities, public institutions, business organizations on the project website (www.c3places.eu).