Tackling the sustainability crisis through digital collective intelligence: the principles of doughnut economics in smart cities

Abstract

There is an urgent need for action to turn cities into hubs for dealing with environmental causes and creating better and more sustainable living for residents. Cities have become systems where sustainability has been neglected for decades due to the fast industrialization in the past. This research aims to investigate how cities can tackle the sustainability crisis on the local level, blending top-down and bottom-up processes through community involvement. The study focuses on the principles of doughnut economics and smart cities and presents opportunities for the practical implementation of digital collective intelligence in achieving sustainable urban development. Further, the article discusses the origins and fundamentals of doughnut economics, smart cities, and digital collective intelligence and critically analyzes their applicability in city governance. The paper proposes a blended model of city digital governance that combines top-down decision-making with community participation through digital collective intelligence. Finally, the article provides recommendations for cities to promote sustainable urban development. The findings of this study are relevant for policymakers, city planners, and researchers interested in promoting sustainable urban development through innovative approaches that blend top-down and bottom-up processes.