Problem statement

Digital tools for participation and co-creative urban planning offer significant potential to support sustainable neighborhood development. However, they still show limitations in terms of inclusiveness, usability, and practical effectiveness. In particular, older adults, people with low digital literacy, and individuals facing language barriers are often not adequately reached.

At the same time, there is a lack of systematic research and internationally coordinated approaches for integrating and evaluating gamification, simulation, 3D visualization, artificial intelligence, and geospatial data analysis in transdisciplinary planning processes. This creates a need for stronger international exchange to identify research gaps, further develop methods, and prepare joint research and knowledge transfer activities.

Objectives

The project aims to establish and strengthen a long-term German–Canadian collaboration to jointly identify research gaps and explore future directions for research and knowledge exchange on digital tools for co-creative neighborhood development.

Research questions

What international research gaps, methodological challenges, and practical needs exist regarding the use of digital tools—especially gamification, simulation, 3D visualization, artificial intelligence, and geospatial data analysis—to support inclusive and co-creative neighborhood development?

Which methodological approaches and evaluation concepts are suitable for assessing and further developing the effectiveness, usability, and inclusiveness of these digital tools in transdisciplinary planning and participation processes?

Which forms of collaboration, expert networks, and knowledge transfer formats are required to develop international research and innovation activities that address identified gaps and ensure impact in planning practice and policy?

Methodology

The project promotes international exchange on digital tools for inclusive and co-creative neighborhood development. The focus is on building sustainable research and practice networks, identifying shared research themes, and developing new forms of collaboration.

Activities include a kick-off and final meeting, workshops and expert discussions in Germany and Canada, regular meetings of an international expert group, as well as joint networking and exchange events. In addition, scientific publications, conference contributions, and further knowledge transfer activities are prepared.

Results from workshops, expert discussions, and network analyses are systematically documented and evaluated. On this basis, a consolidated overview of the current state of research and practice on digital tools for participation and co-creation is developed. At the same time, perspectives for future joint research and collaboration activities are identified.

Expected Results and Contribution

The project generates key building blocks for advancing the field of digital tools for co-creative neighborhood development. This includes a jointly developed state-of-the-art overview of research and practice as well as the establishment of an international expert network.

A central outcome is the joint development of new research and project ideas emerging from international exchange, workshops, and expert discussions. These ideas provide a foundation for future collaborations and further activities in the field of digitally supported participation and planning processes.

In addition, scientific publications, conference contributions, and practice-oriented insights will be developed, contributing to the visibility and further development of the field.

Overall, the project strengthens long-term collaboration between the participating partners and creates a solid foundation for future joint initiatives in research, practice, and knowledge transfer.