The Smart and Inclusive Cities Lab aims to address complex, system-based challenges around the transition to sustainability and net zero through an inclusive approach. It employs co-design and co-produced methods and innovative uses of data and technology.
We seek to work with the most excluded and those who have the most to benefit from the research outcomes. To address issues of inclusion and socio-economic inequalities, we provide tangible approaches to how to address these complex challenges and involve those communities in the process. This requires that we test and demonstrate the solutions at a scale that enables scalable implementation and involves local stakeholders and communities in a participatory approach.
Social innovation is central to the success of the approach, and this requires a focus on issues of capacity building, tools and responsible use of technology. The Lab works with third sector and government partners to implement innovation where it is most needed and not just through the most accessible pathways, and demonstrates them in replicable ways that can have an impact.
The Lab takes an inclusive and place-based approach by working with stakeholders and building partnerships and co-creation in the research, ensuring potential beneficiaries are involved in designing the outcomes.
