Unlocking community value: Building sustainable societies through engagement and well-being

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the indiscriminate nature of global interconnectivity, compelling immediate and transformative changes in our daily lives. This crisis has highlighted leadership deficiencies and underscored the broken aspects of our society that were previously taken for granted. As we envision the future, it is crucial to move beyond mere safety and strive for a regenerative society that is fundamentally better. This research paper introduces the concept of the Virtual Living Lab (VLL), a pre-pandemic initiative designed to track and analyze essential lifestyle narratives. Leveraging signal analyses, the VLL identifies and monitors narratives that deeply captivate and engage individuals. By examining these narratives in both the United Kingdom and Japan, we gain valuable insights into the influence of culture and the growing role of ethics in facilitating meaningful transformations. Furthermore, this study recognizes the evolving nature of our network-mediated society, characterized by fluid boundaries between organizations and individuals. Through an exploration of engagement, transformation, and culture, we investigate how these factors shape a thriving society. We also acknowledge the critical role of big data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in analyzing and understanding these dynamics. During the pandemic, community value emerged as a vital resource for survival. Now, as individuals reevaluate their lives and seek sustainable and meaningful work-life harmony, community value can play an increasingly significant role. This research delves into the intertwined concepts of narratives, engagement, transformation, culture, well-being, communication, and balanced life, shedding light on their collective impact in shaping a thrivable society.