Page 15 - U4SSC: City Science Application Framework

4. City Science Enablers

Following is a non-exhaustive list of enablers (potential policy tools and levers) that a city can use to
assess, implement and boost City Science.

i. Raising awareness - communicating and educating various stakeholders such as public and
policy makers as well as the academia: City science is relatively a new field and awareness is
to a certain extent relatively limited. Hence, awareness can be considered as an introduction
to informed action; while city science awareness focuses on the general knowledge of the city
science as a new field as it progresses globally. Targeted awareness activities should inform the
stakeholders with relevant information to them about city science. The awareness activities
can emphasize stakeholders’ specific role and contribution in enhancing city science. It can also
be extended to public awareness which helps selected individuals understand and drive other
individuals to participate effectively in activities establishing and developing city science. The
benefits can be explained to stakeholders which will increase the likelihood of uptake (adoption)
of city science methods and solutions.

ii. Publishing materials for city science (such as articles, reports, publications): As part of creating
and boosting expertise in city science, existing knowledge can be disseminated. Articles, papers,
on-going researches, reports, and miscellaneous publications can be distributed and shared
among the practitioners, willing contributors and volunteers in cities. Such knowledge exchange
will catalyse adoption of city science and will also accelerate knowledge creation.

iii. Enhancing skills and competencies: City science entails human capital with a wide variety of
skills and competencies with the ability to learn, adapt and retrain. Formal education is one
of the primary means to enhance city science. Curricula emphasizing data skills, data science,
etc. as well as general skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, innovation, etc. might
be helpful. Universities, colleges, vocational training centres play an essential role. Given the
incessant advances in city science as a relatively new field, the acquisition of related skills is a
lifelong process; hence continuing education and ongoing skills development are of paramount
importance. Professional programs, training programs provided by various institutes, online
courses, etc. are all part of the lifelong learning for city science.

iv. Stakeholder engagement and participation: It is important for cities to engage a wide range
of stakeholders in city science and to ensure their participation and inclusivity throughout
the process. Collaboration platforms can be used by cities to encourage public, private
and academic engagement. Nurturing a strong and vibrant ecosystem will help boost city
science. Entrepreneurs can be encouraged and incentivized to launch start-ups in city science
addressing real urban problems. Similarly, NGOs and civil society can bring the perspectives of
related organizations and society members to city science implementations. Consequently, it
is important to establish stakeholder engagement platforms where stakeholders discuss and
engage in city science related activities (e.g. conferences, forums, consultations).
v. Public and private sector policies and strategies: Public and private sector policies and strategies
can help drive city science innovation in a mutually supportive manner. They can boost demand
and supply of city science applications and solutions significantly. Implementation of policies
and strategies such as smart city, digital transformation, etc. entail real life implementations

City Science Application Framework 7