Download full text
(external source)
Citation Suggestion
Please use the following Persistent Identifier (PID) to cite this document:
https://doi.org/10.17645/up.v8i2.6361
Exports for your reference manager
Civic Engagement in a Citizen-Led Living Lab for Smart Cities: Evidence From South Korea
[journal article]
Abstract Smart cities have emerged in the hope of solving growing urban problems. In addition, unlike past citizen participation in tokenism, new technologies in smart cities have shed light on creating cities with high levels of civic engagement. However, contrary to expectations, technology-centric smart c... view more
Smart cities have emerged in the hope of solving growing urban problems. In addition, unlike past citizen participation in tokenism, new technologies in smart cities have shed light on creating cities with high levels of civic engagement. However, contrary to expectations, technology-centric smart city development has resulted in a lack of opportunities for citizen participation. Consequently, smart cities are increasingly adopting a citizen-centric living lab methodology. Previous research on living labs has emphasized the significance of civic engagement and the potential as a collaborative platform for governments, businesses, and citizens. However, keeping individuals engaged and motivated during the living lab process might be challenging. This study examined the significance of citizens’ active participation and determined the elements that influence the level of participation in a living lab. In this study, the first citizen-led living laboratory in South Korea was selected as the subject of a case study. An empirical analytic approach was adopted and a survey was conducted among living lab participants regarding their level of participation and the sociocultural elements that may impact it. Our findings revealed that living lab activities were associated with enhanced civic self-esteem and positive attitudes toward smart cities. Moreover, they display the socioeconomic elements that influence the degree of participation. This study offers evidence that living lab activities encourage citizen engagement by giving participants a sense of empowerment during the co-creation process with multiple stakeholders, boosting civic competency through learning activities, and improving a sense of community ownership.... view less
Keywords
citizens' participation; urban planning; development model; South Korea; citizens' involvement; motivation; socioeconomic factors
Classification
Area Development Planning, Regional Research
Sociology of Settlements and Housing, Urban Sociology
Free Keywords
civic engagement; living labs; participatory approach; smart city; urban planning
Document language
English
Publication Year
2023
Page/Pages
p. 93-107
Journal
Urban Planning, 8 (2023) 2
Issue topic
Smart Engagement With Citizens: Integrating "the Smart" Into Inclusive Public Participation and Community Planning
ISSN
2183-7635
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed