Enhancing Inclusiveness with Digital Technologies: A Case Study Combining Digital Participation Platforms with Living Lab Programs

Smart cities are being developed throughout Japan. In recent years, living labs have attracted attention as a mechanism for citizen participation in smart cities and have been worked on some municipality. However, conventional Living Labs have been conducted face-to-face, which has resulted in a certain number of citizens unable to participate due to factors such as time and location. In the last couple of years, Digital Participation Platforms are now being recognized as mechanisms to increase the inclusivity of Living Labs and encourage the participation of the silent majority. This research explores the integration of digital participation platforms with Living Lab programs to enhance inclusiveness in smart cities. The study, conducted in the smart city of Kashiwa-no-ha, combines face-to-face Living Lab activities with a digital participation platform developed by the author. Results show increased citizen participation, collection of diverse citizens ‘voices, and immediate identification of problems. The digital participation platform accommodates those unable to participate in face-to-face settings and provides anonymity for silent citizens. Additionally, while this platform lacks the dynamism of face-to-face communication, the combination of both methods proves essential for optimal inclusiveness. The study concludes that digital participation platforms contribute to overall inclusiveness by providing continuous feedback and empowering citizens, but sustainability challenges require ongoing promotion and incentives.