Knowledge Agora



Similar Articles

Title Toward smart sustainable cities: assessment of stakeholders' readiness for digital participatory planning
ID_Doc 42302
Authors Sameer, N; Alalouch, C; Al-Saadi, S; Saleh, MS
Title Toward smart sustainable cities: assessment of stakeholders' readiness for digital participatory planning
Year 2023
Published
Abstract PurposeThis study aims to assess the readiness of both citizens and the government for digital participatory planning (DDP) as a contribution to the undergoing transformative shift toward smart and sustainable cities to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization. While much attention has been devoted to leveraging technology to mitigate these challenges, there has been a relative lack of emphasis on engaging stakeholders in the planning process in a smart and inclusive manner. DPP stands as a cornerstone for the development of sustainable and smart cities. However, before DPP can be effectively implemented on the ground, it is crucial to assess the city readiness for DPP to ensure its success. This assessment is undertaken as part of Oman's broader initiative to transition into sustainable smart cities in alignment with the goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040.Design/methodology/approachA generic evaluation framework was identified, validated and customized to the local context by experts using the pile sorting technique based on the social constructivism theory. Then, the revised framework was used to evaluate the readiness of a sample of local citizens and government officials in Oman for the DPP concept.FindingsThe inferential statistical analysis revealed that citizens are willing to participate in DPP when trust and transparency with policymakers are enhanced. On the government side, the results showed that there is adequate infrastructure that can enable DPP, and planners have a positive attitude toward DPP provided that trust in citizens' opinions is strengthened. This study concludes with a roadmap for preparation for DPP implementation in smart sustainable cities mandated by Oman Vision 2040. The findings and roadmap can inform policy development, decision-making and urban planning practices toward more inclusive, participatory and technologically enabled urban environments.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by emphasizing the significance of stakeholders' smart involvement in planning processes, social sustainability, evaluating city readiness for DPP and providing practical recommendations for DPP implementation in the context of smart sustainable cities. At a theoretical level, the study contributes a framework for assessing readiness for DPP and emphasizes that mutual trust is not only important for conventional participation practices but it is also essential for smart citizens. This study argues that a building or a city is not sustainable unless it is seen as such by its stakeholders, including the end users. Therefore, effective and smart involvement of the citizens in smart city planning is a precondition for the success of the future cities.
PDF

Similar Articles

ID Score Article
44204 Alshuwaikhat, HM; Adenle, YA; Almuhaidib, T A Lifecycle-Based Smart Sustainable City Strategic Framework for Realizing Smart and Sustainability Initiatives in Riyadh City(2022)Sustainability, 14, 14
39402 Senior, C; Salaj, AT; Johansen, A; Lohne, J Evaluating the Impact of Public Participation Processes on Participants in Smart City Development: A Scoping Review(2023)Buildings, 13, 6
33343 Alotaibi, BS; Elnaklah, R; Agboola, OP; Abuhussain, MA; Tunay, M; Dodo, YA; Maghrabi, A; Alyami, M Enhancing Najran's sustainable smart city development in the face of urbanization challenges in Saudi- Arabia(2024)
45587 Jnr, BA; Majid, MA; Romli, A A Trivial Approach for Achieving Smart City: A Way Forward towards a Sustainable Society(2018)
37187 Szarek-Iwaniuk, P; Senetra, A Access to ICT in Poland and the Co-Creation of Urban Space in the Process of Modern Social Participation in a Smart City-A Case Study(2020)Sustainability, 12.0, 5
37426 Webster, CWR; Leleux, C Searching for the real sustainable smart city?(2019)Information Polity, 24.0, 3
39178 Kopackova, H; Libalova, P The Rise Of Smart Cities - Result Of Global Problems Or Technology Challenge?(2017)
38176 Salem, F Building a Smart City: Overcoming the Challenges of Digital Transformation - The Case of "Smart Dubai"(2017)
40339 Pultrone, G Participation and Governance for More Human Smart Cities(2014)Tema-Journal Of Land Use Mobility And Environment, 7, 2
43407 Castelnovo, W; Misuraca, G; Savoldelli, A Smart Cities Governance: The Need for a Holistic Approach to Assessing Urban Participatory Policy Making(2016)Social Science Computer Review, 34, 6
Scroll