Abstract
The predominant rhetoric in smart city debates puts the emphasis on collaboration. Conceptualizing, designing, implementing, validating, and evaluating solutions to urban challenges with all relevant stakeholders around the table are perceived as the optimal modus operandi in these perspectives. But how does this vision relate to current practices in cities? This paper deals with the observed trend toward more multi-stakeholder collaboration and the resulting complex value networks these stakeholders need to navigate. This is exemplified in what has been called the “platformization” of the urban space by “urban service platforms” (e.g., Uber, AirBnB) as well as in so-called “quadruple helix” approaches to urban innovation. Particularly for (local) government, finding a role in these complex networks has proven challenging. This paper explores the main challenges concerning multi-stakeholder innovation and opportunities related to this topic.
Highlights
What do the quadruple helix innovation model and platform urbanism have in common? They are conceptual forms of the current smart city rhetoric associated with an innovation-driven, user-oriented, and multi-stakeholder take on governance within the urban context
While a concise definition of what the smart city entails may not be distilled in the literature, it can be said to point to an intensification of the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and data by local authorities, and in its execution, seeking closer collaboration with other stakeholders, in particular, citizens (Anthopoulos et al, 2016; Walravens, 2016)
Based on the insights gleaned from all this material, it is clear that the smart city rhetoric has put citizen participation and quadruple helix thinking on the agenda of the cities, influencing their view on collaboration, especially with regard to the role of technology in society or processes of innovation
Summary
They are conceptual forms of the current smart city rhetoric associated with an innovation-driven, user-oriented, and multi-stakeholder take on governance within the urban context. One concept associated with the operationalization of this process is what has been termed the quadruple helix (Arnkil et al, 2010; Cavallini et al, 2016; Borkowska and Osborne, 2018). It points to the logic of a cooperation model associated with the design and development of innovative city services, which complements the public sector with companies, academia, and citizens.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
