Digital Technologies for Urban and Social Innovation in Affordable, Smart, and Sustainable Neighbourhoods

By 2030, the UN estimates that 3 billion people will require adequate and affordable housing. However, current strategies to address this global housing shortage often fail to provide essential services and urban infrastructure. Although digital technologies have demonstrated the potential to enhance both the quantity and quality of housing delivery, limited research has explored their use, specifically focusing on the links between smart cities, urban and social innovation, and affordable housing. A thorough understanding of digitalization is crucial for achieving sustainable development and providing services and infrastructures, especially in vulnerable contexts. Leveraging literature and case studies, this chapter investigates the role of digital technologies in enhancing the quality of living, citizen empowerment, and participation. This chapter outlines current applications, emerging trends, opportunities and future prospects for ICT in urban e- planning, namely in affordable, smart, and sustainable neighbourhoods that are both socially inclusive and environmentally responsible.