Digital transformation within local public administration is often conceived as the result of technological advancements, with scarce attention being paid to framing these processes within multi-level organisational settings. Against this background, this article introduces a framework for exploring the different dimensions of digital innovation in the public sector at the urban scale. It proposes conceptual categories that capture digital transformation drivers and mechanisms, encouraging reflections about their capacity to resonate in specific (urban) contexts. After examining frameworks seeking to deconstruct digital transformation in its multiple dimensions, the study proposes a conceptual model and validates it against the result of the literature review. By identifying conceptual categories and their interactions, the study seeks to support a more comprehensive understanding of transformation processes, specifically focusing on public service provision and delivery and their relationship with endogenous and exogenous innovation drivers. At the same time, the study aims to support local public authorities in gaining awareness of their transformative potential and helping them “steer” local digital transformation dynamics.

This open access book examines how the adoption of Design Thinking (DT) can support public organisations in overcoming some of the current barriers in e-participation. Scholars have discussed the adoption of technology to strengthen public engagement through e-participation, streamline and enhance the relationship between government and society, and improve accessibility and effectiveness. However, barriers persist, necessitating further research in this area. By analysing e-participation barriers emerging from the literature and aligning them with notions in the DT literature, this book identifies five core DT practices to enhance e-participation: (i) Meaning creation and sense-making, (ii) Publics formation, (iii) Co-production, (iv) Experimentation and prototyping, and (v) Changing organisational culture. As a result, this book provides insights into enhancing tech-aided public engagement and promoting inclusivity for translating citizen input into tangible service implementations. The book triangulates qualitative analysis of relevant literature in the fields of e-participation and DT with knowledge from European projects experimenting with public participation activities implying experimentation with digital tools. This research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical application, ultimately contributing to more effective e-participation and digital public services.

This study shows the results gathered from 141 subjects playing the persuasive urban game A Hostile World via a post-game-experience quantitative questionnaire. The aim is to problematize and deepen the role of negative emotions (e.g., frustration, rage) – explicitly fostered by A Hostile World to increase empathy toward immigrants and foreigners – in triggering an effective learning outcome. A multidisciplinary approach that draws its principles from Sociology, Game Design and Education Studies was applied to lead and structure the analysis. Empirically, a quantitative survey was disseminated to n:141 players addressing negativity and play. Results show that negative experiences in ludic environments offer a precious support if well pondered. Findings are noteworthy because they allow to reflect on negativity and gaming with the support of an empirical investigation, which is a significant source of data for grounded and tangible follow-ups. Therefore, implications concern both scholars and practitioners who intend to use and explore negative emotions in gaming.

In response to a lack of public participation, public administrations have been looking to e-participation as one strategy to overcome current barriers, such as lack of legitimacy and capacity, issues of representativeness, inclusiveness, equity and power balance, difficulties in effective implementation, and appropriate inclusion of citizens in decision-making processes. To tackle these challenges, literature has recognised the importance of including design thinking methodologies to reinforce public engagement and translate citizens’ suggestions for digital public service implementation. Acknowledging that research in this area is still limited, this paper proposes a rationale for the relevance of design thinking in implementing effective e-participation. Reviewing the relevant literature, the study proposes four different areas in which design thinking can support more effective citizen engagement in e-participation: (i) Meaning creation and sense-making, (ii) Publics formation, (iii) Co-production, and (iv) Experimentation and prototyping.