Place-Based Digital and Energy Transitions for Resilient, Just and Sustainable Urban Development

This paper presents a framework for advancing place-based digital and energy innovations for resilient, just and sustainable development. Structured around three integrated pillars (i.e. Clean Energy Transition and Urban Decarbonization, Smart and Digital Transition, and Urban Resilience and Integrated Sustainability) the framework reflects the vision of the EERA JP-Smart Cities SRIA, which connects research, innovation, and territorial/community needs. Its applicability is demonstrated through real case studies, where co-creative living lab processes supported the development and deployment of enabling technologies to democratize knowledge and address local needs. These examples show how smart energy systems, digital infrastructures, sensing, and AI-enabled analytics can generate co-benefits for decarbonisation, safety, local services, and territorial resilience. They also show that innovation can be effectively enabled, widely accepted, and deliver lasting value only when it is grounded in a holistic assessment of local conditions and readiness. Links to some references: https://tinyurl.com/4b34tpz4, https://tinyurl.com/4b34tpz4, https://tinyurl.com/4b34tpz4.