Between Participatory Approaches and Politics, Promoting Social Innovation in Smart Cities: Building a Hum–Animal Smart City in Lucca

Giulia Granai, Carmen Borrelli, Roberta Moruzzo, Massimo Rovai, Francesco Riccioli, Chiara Mariti, Carlo Bibbiani and Francesco Di Iacovo
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Giulia Granai: Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Carmen Borrelli: Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Roberta Moruzzo: Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Massimo Rovai: Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, Italy
Francesco Riccioli: Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Chiara Mariti: Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Carlo Bibbiani: Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Francesco Di Iacovo: Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 13, 1-15

Abstract: In recent decades, the interest in social innovation and nature-based solutions has spread in scientific articles, and they are increasingly deployed for cities’ strategic planning. In this scenario, participatory approaches become pivotal to engaging the population and stakeholders in the decision-making process. In this paper, we reflect on the first year’s results and the strengths and weaknesses—of the participatory activities realized in Lucca to co-design and co-deploy a smart city based on human–animal relationships in the framework of the European project Horizon 2020 (IN-HABIT). Human–animal bonds, as nature-based solutions, are scientifically and practically underestimated. Data were collected on the activities organized to implement a public–private–people partnership in co-designing infrastructural solutions (so-called Animal Lines) and soft nature-based solutions to be implemented in the city. Stakeholders actively engaged in mutual discussions with great enthusiasm, and the emergent ideas (the need to improve people’s knowledge of animals and develop a map showing pet-friendly services and places and the need for integration to create innovative pet services) were copious and different while showing many connections among the various points of view. At the same time, a deeper reflection on the relationships among the participatory activities and institutionally integrated arrangements also emerged.

Keywords: nature-based solutions; participatory processes; public–private–people partnership (PPPP); social innovation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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