Citizen Engagement Research Articles

Community Governance in Age-Friendly Community Regeneration—A Case Study on Installing Elevators in Old Residential Buildings

The rise in aging world populations poses enormous concerns, among which is the critical topic of how to promote active aging by improving the health and well-being of the elderly. Accordingly, installing elevators in old residential buildings has become a main issue in age-friendly community regeneration to make it easier for the elderly to go outside. There is limited evidence on stakeholder involvement in age-friendly community regeneration. Some studies have overlooked the fact that fostering age-friendly communities in developing countries requires innovative governance for inclusive physical and social features despite the low awareness of citizen engagement. With reference to community governance as a structure and process, a theoretical framework is proposed to understand the practice of elevator installation in age-friendly community regeneration in Guangzhou, China. This study adopted the questionnaire survey method and collected 455 valid samples (150 valid samples with installed elevators; 305 valid samples did not install elevators). The findings led to the following conclusions: (1) shared common interests lead to effective community governance and smooth elevator installation; (2) some communities failed to install elevators due to opposition from people whose interests were hindered; and (3) it is important to set up self-governing organizations and find key people in community governance for interest-based negotiation. This paper’s contribution is that it makes up for the deficiency in the previous research that has neglected the elderly’s participation in public affairs via age-friendly community regeneration. Finally, this study suggests further research on the dynamic processes of different types of age-friendly community regeneration affairs.

The effects of children’s participation and co-creation in science

The scientific literature shows that children’s participation in video games is increasingly common. However, there is no analysis of the involvement of children in the development of video games promoting social science learning. The framework of the EU H2020 funded project “ALLINTERACT. Widening and diversifying citizen engagement in science” contributes to filling this gap by analysing the co-creation process between children, families, teachers, and researchers of a video game for children to distinguish between hoaxes and evidence to overcoming bullying. To this end, a 24-h Science Game Jam was recorded, which took place in a virtual space for group meetings in which five children, five family members, four teachers and four researchers participated in the co-creation of the video game and a collaborative document in the cloud including the guidelines of the video game, with their proposals for the development. Finally, they participated as well as in the co-creation of the video game itself. The key finding is that co-creation through an egalitarian dialogue, solidarity, and focus on scientific knowledge allowed these children to play a leading role in developing a video game where children of all educational stages learn to distinguish hoaxes and evidence in overcoming bullying. The involvement in science and the co-creation of science-based products benefited these children; as they were protagonists in science, they could express their concerns and the real problems they faced in their schools, which increased their scientific knowledge and strengthened their critical capacity about bullying. Furthermore, the adult participants also benefited from the knowledge provided by the children, especially in the development and creation of the video game.

When data meets citizens: an investigation of citizen engagement in data-driven innovation programmes

Abstract Publicly funded data-driven innovation programmes frequently involve partnerships between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and municipal authorities utilizing citizen data. The intention of these projects is to benefit citizens. However, few such projects achieve success or impact within the project timeframe. This may result in benefit accruing mainly to the SME partner, who gains both learning and data, engendering questions of data justice around whether citizen data are being exploited without sufficient benefit returning to citizens. Through case studies composed of interviews and document analysis, we examine how benefits for citizens are conceived and achieved in the publicly funded data-driven air quality projects Data Pitch and Smart Cities Innovation Framework Implementation. We find the differences between the programme funders’ policies had a clear influence on the citizen engagement elements. There are also a number of ways in which the desired citizen engagement and benefit becomes diluted, including through misalignment of incentives and focus, a lack of prioritization and ownership, and power imbalances between citizens and the other actors in the quadruple helix model. To retain the focus on ensuring citizens benefit from data-driven innovation programmes using citizen data, we propose the use of data Justice plans. More work is required to specify the content and mechanisms of such plans for application in such programmes.

Insights on the Perception and Engagement of Citizens with the Action Plan of the Declaration of Climate Change Emergency by the City Councils: The Case of Sant Cugat del Vallès

Insights on the Perception and Engagement of Citizens with the Action Plan of the Declaration of Climate Change Emergency by the City Councils: The Case of Sant Cugat del Vallès

AI-Powered Governments: The Role of Data Analytics and Visualization in Accelerating Digital Transformation

This study addresses the growing challenges faced by governments in utilising the potential of AI and data analytics for digital transformation, focusing on how these technologies can enhance public service delivery, transparency, and citizen engagement. Despite their transformative potential, majority of the governments struggle with the adoption and integration of AI-powered systems due to infrastructural, regulatory, and ethical concerns. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of data analytics and visualization tools in accelerating digital transformation within AI-powered governments. By synthesizing relevant theories such as the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), Institutional Theory, and the Dynamic Capabilities Framework, this conceptual paper provides a strong theoretical foundation for understanding AI adoption in governance. The methodology involves a comprehensive literature review, analysing past studies and theoretical frameworks related to AI, data analytics, and public sector digital transformation. The findings reveal that AI-powered systems can significantly improve governance outcomes by enabling real-time insights and decision-making, while visualization tools enhance transparency and accountability. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding data privacy, digital infrastructure, and equitable access to services. The study’s implications are both theoretical and practical. Theoretically, it contributes to understanding how AI and data analytics are reshaping governance, while practically, it highlights the need for governments to invest in digital infrastructure and develop dynamic capabilities to adapt to technological advancements. Future research should focus on addressing the specific challenges faced by emerging economies and exploring the ethical implications of AI in governance.

The Role and Role of Digital Governance in Improving Government Transparency and Citizen Engagement

Abstract This paper designs relevant questionnaires according to the needs of this research, obtains basic data through the questionnaires, and explores the intrinsic role mechanism between the influencing factors of the dimensions of digital governance and the roles and functions in government transparency and citizen participation through structural equation modeling and regression analysis. The results show that government transparency and citizen participation have a positive effect on digital governance, with a p-value of less than 0.05. In the detailed description, the three dimensions of openness, interactivity, and selectivity of public participation in digital governance in X county positively affect the five dimensions of information integration and scientific decision-making ability, benign communication, and collaborative ability in digital governance capacity. The transparency of government procurement will be positively impacted by the investment of science and technology funding, and the correlation between GDP per capita and transparency of government procurement is 10%.

Neighbourhood councils’ use of social media and citizen engagement during a crisis situation using the example of the COVID-19 pandemic

Neighbourhood councils’ use of social media and citizen engagement during a crisis situation using the example of the COVID-19 pandemic

Fiscal decentralization and impact on economic growth in the Republic of Croatia

Fiscal decentralization is the transfer of responsibility between the provision of public services and sources of financing by the central government to lower levels of government, with the outcome depending on how the process itself is devised and implemented. Proper and balanced implementation of fiscal decentralization leads to economic growth, achieving economic goals that can bring economic benefits. In addition to economic benefits, decentralization could lead to greater accountability, transparency, and citizen engagement, which would also improve the level of democracy in society. Since 2002, the Republic of Croatia has secured a significant amount of financial resources through the system of tax revenue sharing and aid allocation, which has significantly improved the fiscal capacity of all local units. The impact of fiscal decentralization in the Republic of Croatia on economic growth was tested using a panel analysis. From the results obtained, there is a significant positive relationship between fiscal decentralization and economic activity, and based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that fiscal decentralization in the Republic of Croatia had a positive impact on economic growth. This also confirms the role of lower levels of government established to improve the quality of life of citizens by deciding on the provision of local public services close to where they are provided and close to the users, providing better education, social and health services and infrastructure, thus positively influencing economic growth. In further research, it is necessary to focus on the creation of a better system of financing lower levels of government and on the fiscal autonomy of local units in the Republic of Croatia, in order to make the impact of fiscal decentralization on economic growth even more evident and to have as much influence as possible on the even development of the Republic of Croatia.

ПРОШЛОЕ, НАСТОЯЩЕЕ И БУДУЩЕЕ ЦИФРОВОГО ПРАВИТЕЛЬСТВА: АНАЛИЗ КИТАЙСКОЙ ПРАКТИКИ

In the digital age, the progression of digital government models presents a nuanced problem that this study meticulously investigates. Contextually, the inception of digital government in China has transpired through three distinct phases, each marked by a characteristic emphasis: technology-oriented, mutual transparency-oriented, and people-oriented. The analysis underscores a critical shift in emphasis across these stages, from an initial concentration on technological deployment to a present focus on mutual transparency and citizen engagement. Despite the evident progress, an issue emerges around capturing and articulating these stages with precision and objectivity. In response to this problem, this study undertakes an in-depth examination of case studies pertinent to each phase, which unravels insights into their defining characteristics. The findings indicate a potential trajectory towards a digital government model that further accentuates public participation. The aim of this study is to deepen the comprehension of the evolution of digital government in China and to shed light on its potential future trajectory, thereby contributing significantly to the dialogue around policy formulation and the future development of digital governance.

AI Integration in Malaysian Public Administration for Improved Governance

This study investigates the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within Malaysia’s public administration, focusing on the implications for governance quality, decision-making efficiency, and public service delivery. The research utilizes a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in public administration, to evaluate the extent of AI adoption and its impact across different administrative sectors. The findings reveal that while there is a growing interest and investment in AI technologies, significant barriers such as limited technical expertise, regulatory challenges, and infrastructural constraints continue to impede widespread adoption. Moreover, the study highlights the variations in AI integration between different sectors, with manufacturing and e-commerce showing higher adoption rates compared to areas like health and education. This discrepancy underscores the need for a more targeted approach in policy formulation to address sector-specific challenges. The study also explores the broader social and economic implications of AI integration, particularly in how it affects public trust and transparency in governance. Results indicate that effective AI deployment can enhance public sector accountability and citizen engagement, but only if coupled with strong ethical guidelines and data governance frameworks. Furthermore, the research identifies a critical gap in digital literacy among public sector employees, suggesting that ongoing training and capacity-building initiatives are essential for maximizing AI’s benefits. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers, emphasizing the importance of fostering cross-sector collaborations, developing comprehensive regulatory frameworks, and investing in digital infrastructure to support sustainable AI integration. This research contributes to the broader understanding of digital transformation in public administration and offers a roadmap for enhancing public sector efficiency and governance outcomes in Malaysia, positioning the country as a leader in digital governance within the ASEAN region.

Computer data analysis to estimate the effects of government effectiveness and voice accountability on Research and Development in Latin American countries (2002-2021)

This paper examines the relationship among Research and Development (R&D) expenditure, government effectiveness, and voice accountability in 15 Latin American countries. R&D expenditure is a crucial driver of innovation and economic growth, and effective governance and voice accountability are essential for promoting transparency and citizen participation in decision-making processes. The study utilizes a panel dataset from 2002 to 2021 and employs computer data analysis to estimate the effects of changes in government effectiveness and voice accountability on R&D expenditure. The findings reveal a positive impact of government effectiveness and voice accountability on R&D expenditure. A 1% increase in government effectiveness is associated with a 0.618% increase in research development expenditure, while a 1% rise in voice accountability corresponds to a 0.625% increase. These results highlight the importance of effective governance and citizen engagement in fostering R&D investment.

University of California – Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States

Citizen science has recently emerged as a powerful tool for wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts, offering cost-effective, large-scale data collection that supports traditional scientific research methods. This study explores the integration of citizen science in wildlife monitoring, citizen science data applications and challenges that could be faced, while giving insights on future directions. Citizen- generated data – including observational, environmental, geospatial, acoustic, photographic and genetic information – contribute to population estimations, health and biodiversity assessments, and threat detection. Moreover, the fusion of advanced technologies including mobile applications, web platforms, remote sensing and artificial intelligence has significantly improved data quality, citizen engagement and geographical coverage. However, challenges persist, including concerns about data accuracy, long-term participant engagement and technical knowledge gaps. Addressing these issues through user-friendly technologies and robust training programs is crucial for maximizing the potential of citizen science in wildlife conservation. As global biodiversity faces increasing threats from climate change and deforestation, citizen science offers a vital solution for wildlife monitoring and protection, fostering stronger connections between humans and nature while supporting evidence-based conservation efforts.

"Community strengthening through citizen monitoring of water quality: A systematic review".

Citizen participation in decision-making is a fundamental democratic pillar of democracy. However, the degree of citizen involvement and recognition by governmental institutions may be conditioned by the level of competence and knowledge demonstrated. Therefore, carrying out collective projects can contribute to strengthening citizen engagement in water management issues. Nonetheless, there is limited knowledge about the various types of citizen engagement and the practices that have facilitated greater inclusion in decision-making regarding water resources. This study aims to identify and analyze practices that strengthen water community organizations through citizen monitoring-based involvement. A systematic literature review was conducted using the PRISMA method. The research was guided by the following questions: What are the differences in the level of citizen involvement and the degree of transformation facilitated by citizen monitoring of water quality (CMWQ) between the global North and South? What practices strengthen community organizations in decision-making based on CMWQ? Moreover, what challenges do community water organization structures community water organization structures face when based on CMWQ? A total of 161 publications were identified for the analysis of critical themes. After applying the eligibility criteria, 33 documents were selected for content analysis. The reviewed monitoring exercises indicate that the highest level of citizen organization achieved by participants is commonly recognized as "Water Committees". One practice that strengthens these committees is the generation of collaboration agreements among different types of allies, based on a shared objective. However, in the Global South and at the institutional level, there is still resistance to water quality data generated by citizen monitors, especially in regions with large-scale open-pit mining projects. To sustain the efforts of community figures, monitoring programs with public funding need to be established, and public policies supporting these initiatives at the institutional level must be implemented.

The role of public administration and social media educational socialization in influencing public satisfaction on population services: The mediating role of population literacy awareness

This research investigates the interplay between public administration, educational socialization on social media, population literacy awareness, and public satisfaction in the context of population services. The primary objective is understanding how these variables are interconnected and their collective impact on public satisfaction. The study employs a quantitative approach, collecting data through structured questionnaires from a randomly selected sample. Data analysis involves various statistical techniques using Smart PLS, including regression and mediation analysis. The findings reveal that public administration significantly influences population literacy awareness, underscoring the role of government agencies in shaping citizen understanding of demographic policies. While it was anticipated that population literacy awareness would mediate the relationship between public administration and educational socialization on social media for public satisfaction, this mediating effect needed to be supported. However, social media use was found to influence population literacy awareness, indirectly affecting public satisfaction directly. It highlights the potential of digital platforms to enhance citizen understanding and engagement. The implications are substantial. Governments should recognize the importance of effective communication and digital engagement in fostering an informed and satisfied citizenry. Additionally, tailored communication and education initiatives are crucial for promoting public understanding and engagement, ultimately contributing to higher levels of public satisfaction. The research's novelty lies in its exploration of the complex dynamics among these variables and its focus on the role of digital platforms in enhancing population literacy awareness. However, some limitations include the potential for context-specific findings and the need for further research in diverse settings.

СТАЛИЙ РОЗВИТОК В ЦИФРОВІЙ ЕКОНОМІЦІ: СТРАТЕГІЇ, ВИКЛИКИ ТА ІНДИКАТОРИ РОЗВИТКУ «РОЗУМНИХ» МІСТ

The article delves into the intricate relationship between digital transformation and sustainable development within the context of modern cities, highlighting the pivotal role digitalization plays in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of urban environments. It outlines how the integration of digital technologies in city planning and management leads to the emergence of "smart cities," which leverage data and technology to improve public services, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the quality of life for their inhabitants. The discussion begins by defining the concept of sustainable development and its relevance to urban areas, emphasizing the necessity for cities to adopt sustainable practices to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and environmental degradation. The article then shifts focus to the digital economy, explaining how it acts as a catalyst for innovation and efficiency in various sectors, including transportation, energy, waste management, and public services. Furthermore, the article explores the indicators of effectiveness for sustainable development in the context of digital transformation, proposing a framework for evaluating the progress of cities towards sustainability goals. These indicators not only measure environmental impact but also assess social inclusion, economic growth, and the digital literacy of the population, underscoring the multidimensional benefits of digital technologies in fostering a more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable urban future. In addition to theoretical insights, the article provides case studies of cities that have successfully implemented digital solutions to enhance sustainability. These examples illustrate the practical application of digital technologies in urban planning and highlight the tangible benefits of such initiatives, including reduced carbon emissions, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced citizen engagement. The conclusion reiterates the importance of digital transformation in achieving sustainable development goals, calling for a collaborative effort among policymakers, technology providers, and the community to harness the potential of digital technologies for the betterment of urban environments. It underscores the need for strategic planning and investment in digital infrastructure as essential components of sustainable city development. This extended abstract presents a comprehensive overview of the article's content, underlining the synergistic relationship between digital transformation and sustainable development in the urban context. It emphasizes the role of digital technologies in creating efficient, inclusive, and environmentally friendly cities, thereby contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development.

Adaptive Reuse of Urban Heritage in Contested Urban Contexts

The world is facing global challenges that are dramatically changing the social and physical environments, resulting in cultural confrontation. Rapid urban growth, and gentrification increase urban pressure while jeopardizing social cohesion, multicultural values and local economies. Moreover, environmental factors associated with climate change challenge the way cities respond and adapt, as their assets have to be re-designed to meet the current and future generation needs. One response to these challenges is adaptive reuse, the transformation of the function of an underused structure into a new use. This process turns the cities’ elements in decline into development catalysers. The adaptation to these changes is often a source of conflict, as urban policies lack citizen engagement in the redefinition of public space, resulting in more disagreement. This is particularly acute when addressing contested communities, as their continuous evolution directly influence the adaptation of cultural heritage. Considering these aspects, this research question is responded: ‘How can socio-spatial conflicts that result from contested identities be mitigated through the adaptive reuse of urban heritage?’. The relations between Adaptive Reuse, Urban Heritage and Contested Identities are studied, resulting in the research’s objective: to develop an integrative methodology to evaluate urban heritage adaptive reuse alternatives in contested urban contexts, using the case of Acre (Israel). This final outcome is proposed as a tool for decision-makers and urban planners that provides information-based results to be applied in urban design practice, aiming to translate the theory into practice, and to bridge the gap between global goals and local issues.

Game Based Worldbuilding: Planning, Models, Simulations and Digital Twins

Urban planning has been simulated through various city-building games such as The Sumerian Game (1964), SimCity (1989), and Cities: Skylines (2015), amongst many others. Gaming technology has been utilized in 3D GIS, City Information Models (CIMs), and Urban Digital Twins (UDTs) to enhance public participation and engagement in the planning process. This article studies the overlap and ‘game-like’ qualities of these systems and presents an Urban Game Continuum. This interactive tool works in tandem with a taxonomy of city-building games and existing UDTs in order to assist with the design of future systems. A case study imported GeoData from Lancaster, UK, into a games platform. The continuum tool and case study offer new insights into opportunities for the utilisation of game design and gaming technology in urban planning and digital transformation. The article argues that the current use of gaming technology for real-world applications is one-directional and misses opportunities to include digital game design and research, such as mechanics, dynamics, flow, and public participatory world-building for future scenarios. By incorporating these elements, UDT systems could offer higher levels of citizen engagement.

Experts and expertise in practices of citizen engagement in climate policy: a comparative analysis of two contrasting cases

Experts and expertise in practices of citizen engagement in climate policy: a comparative analysis of two contrasting cases

Transformation of Public Service: Rise of Technology, AI and Automation

The rapid advancement of technology has proven beneficial for enhancing efficiency, transparency, responsiveness, and effectiveness in the administration of public services. The internalization of technological innovations, including AI and automation, has become imperative to address the increasing needs and expectations of citizens in modern governance. Various developed and developing countries have revolutionized public services through the adoption of AI and automation. Nepal has made strides in digital governance, advancing from a paper-based form of governance to digital governance. Moreover, the Digital Nepal Framework aspires to restructure the economy through increased service delivery, production, and productivity by harnessing digital technology. The issues of the digital divide, ethical and responsible adoption of AI, citizen engagement and participation, and inclusiveness have been challenging. The government should prioritize investments in digital infrastructure, encourage tech innovations, and promote capacity development in the field of technology.

Mapping and Analyzing E-Government Sentiments in Local Governments in Indonesia

This study aims to comprehensively map and evaluate the quality of E-Government services in local governments throughout Indonesia, focusing on public perceptions. Employing a descriptive method and qualitative approach, data collection involves non-participant observation. Researchers observed the implementation of E-Government within provincial-level local governments participating in the 2021 Electronic-Based Government Systems evaluation through Google Play. Data analysis utilizes an interactive model to provide nuanced insights. The findings reveal that E-Government implementation in Indonesian provincial governments is primarily concentrated within the E-Service category, comprising 50% or 89 applications. The most advanced category is E-Information, encompassing 38% or 67 applications. However, the E-Participation category is notably underrepresented, with only 15% or 19 applications implemented by provincial governments in Indonesia. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of Indonesia’s current landscape of E-Government services. It underscores the importance of further developments, particularly in promoting citizen participation and engagement.