Multi-Functional Urban Innovations

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to and investments made on different urban social, ecological, and technical innovations. The topics of these innovations vary from mainly technical solutions like digital twins or Internet of Things (IoT) related research to socioecological innovations such as the nature-based solution (NBS) or holistic approaches like the circular economy (CE). Although there are already many studies and journal articles dedicated to these topics, there are still gaps among them, and these different groups of scientists and experts mostly speak different languages. In this Special Issue, we are looking for publications that can help us to bring different aspects of these innovations together. Papers that are looking into the multiple functions and benefits that these different urban innovations can have for society and the environment are highly welcome.   

Topics include but are not limited to: 

• The social, economic, and environmental impacts of urban innovations such as circular economic technologies and policies, NBS, smart city technological solutions (e.g., IoT);
• The management and policy aspects of urban innovations. The role of institutional arrangement and governance structure in the successful adoption of these innovations;
• Innovative participation and collaboration mechanisms in planning practices through digital platforms such as social media, apps, and planning support tools in order to enhance social sustainability;
• Socioecological innovation and multifunctional green infrastructure to meet recreation needs and socioeconomic purposes;
• The business models for successful uptake and implementation of these innovations;
• Technologies and tools to facilitate the planning, implementation, and monitoring of these solutions, considering the multifunctionality of these innovations.

Dr. Qi Han
Prof. Dr. Bauke de Vries
Dr. Yanliu Lin
Guest Editors

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