Digital Solutions for Participatory Governance in Smart Cities

A special issue of Systems (ISSN 2079-8954).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 416

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Computer Science Research Centre, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
Interests: data visualisation; deep learning; generative AI; big data analytics

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Guest Editor
DeustoTech, University of Deusto, Avenue Universidades 24, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
Interests: pervasive computing; Internet of Things; semantic service middleware; open linked data; social data mining and mobile-mediated; tangible human–environment interaction applied to address societal challenges
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the rapidly evolving landscape of urban development, the symbiosis of technology and governance has become a defining feature of the modern city. Smart cities, characterized by the integration of digital technologies to optimize urban services, have emerged as crucibles of innovation. The aims of this Special Issue are to illuminate the myriad of ways in which digital innovations are reshaping urban governance paradigms and comprehensively explore the multifaceted landscape of "Digital Solutions for Participatory Governance in Smart Cities," encompassing diverse facets of technological interventions that impact urban governance positively. From harnessing the power of data analytics for informed decision making to deploying citizen-centric platforms for active participation, the contributions in this Special Issue will span a spectrum of interdisciplinary approaches. As cities worldwide embrace the ethos of smart urbanism, this collection of articles promises to unravel the transformative potential inherent in the intersection of digital solutions and participatory governance.

We extend a warm invitation to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to submit their innovative research, case studies, and perspectives that contribute to our understanding of the evolving landscape of participatory governance in smart cities. This Special Issue endeavours to serve as a comprehensive repository of cutting-edge insights, fostering a robust and inclusive dialogue on the convergence of digital solutions and governance in the urban context. The contributions in this Special Issue span a spectrum of interdisciplinary approaches.

  1. Data-driven governance: Uncover the intricate ways in which data analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things contribute to more effective, responsive, and equitable urban governance structures.
  2. Co-governance through citizen engagement platforms: Explore the design, implementation, and impact of digital platforms that empower citizens to actively co-participate in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of inclusivity, transparency, and social cohesion.
  3. Urban mobility solutions: Investigate how digital technologies are redefining transportation systems, contributing to sustainable and efficient urban mobility. Examine the implications for participatory governance in shaping accessible and citizen-centric transport policies.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Delve into the role of digital solutions in promoting environmental sustainability within smart cities. Explore how technologies can be leveraged to monitor, enact citizens’ behavioural change, and mitigate environmental impact while involving citizens in sustainable practices.
  5. Health and well-being: Explore the intersection of digital health technologies and participatory governance. Analyse initiatives that utilize technology to enhance public health, facilitate healthcare access, and engage citizens in fostering community well-being.
  6. Crisis Management and resilience: Examine the role of digital solutions in enhancing urban resilience and crisis management. Assess how smart city technologies can contribute to effective responses during emergencies and engage citizens in community resilience efforts.
  7. Digital inclusion and equity: Investigate the challenges and opportunities related to digital inclusion in smart cities. Analyse strategies and technologies that promote equity, ensuring that the benefits of digital solutions are accessible to all segments of the urban population.
  8. Cybersecurity and ethical considerations: Address the critical issues associated with the integration of digital solutions in governance, with a focus on safeguarding privacy, ensuring cybersecurity, and upholding ethical standards in the smart city context.

Dr. Kamran Soomro
Dr. Diego López-de-Ipiña
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Systems is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • smart cities
  • participatory governance
  • data analytics
  • smart governance
  • smart mobility
  • big data analytics
  • data-driven governance
  • digital technologies and innovations in smart cities

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Published Papers

This special issue is now open for submission.
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