A Conceptual Framework for City Learning to Drive City Transformations Utilising Contextual Knowledge Management: Insights from Theory and Practice

Abstract

Cities of the future have been described as smart, socially innovative, people and community-driven, shaping collaborative ecosystems for learning and innovation. Cities are complex socio-technical ecosystems described as large-scale organisations. A city’s or an organisation’s knowledge can be transferred through collaborative processes involving relevant actors. City transformations through sustainable, citizen-centric development and innovation of cities require understanding cities as collaborative learning and innovation ecosystems aligned with societal needs that are often supported by technology. It calls for new and innovative ideas in knowledge management to address both organisations and cities. Building on theoretical work that conceptualises cities as learning and innovation ecosystems, this study proposes a conceptual framework for city learning. The framework includes a high-level ecosystem model and maps key elements/processes, illustrating interactions that can drive city learning. Through case studies of two European neighbourhood development projects complemented by an expert interview, we gain insights into utilising contextual knowledge management in city learning through multi-stakeholder interactions. The elements of a city include actors such as government and administrative bodies, citizens, private business institutions, funding bodies, and community groups, alongside the natural, built and technical environments. Elements assuming the role of facilitators emerged as catalysts in fostering collaboration and contextual innovation through knowledge exchange, while limited citizen participation and funding constraints remain challenges. The study reveals that trust among stakeholders and political vision can decisively influence learning outcomes in cities, highlighting the context-dependent nature of learning in cities. This study's main contribution is a framework for city learning to drive sustainable city transformations utilising contextual knowledge management.