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This chapter explores the concept of co-production in the context of science and technology studies (STS) and its application to serious games in smart cities. Co-production, which highlights the interdependence of science, technology, and society, challenges traditional notions of expertise and emphasises the active involvement of diverse actors in the design and implementation of technologies. We examine the role of serious games in public participation in smart cities, focusing on their outcomes and limitations from an STS perspective. By focusing on a case study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, we delve into how a serious game has been designed for children’s participation in urban planning, underscored by STS principles. The concept of co-production in STS emphasises the importance of recognising the complex interactions between scientific knowledge, societal practices, and technological innovation. STS scholars argue that scientific knowledge is shaped by social and cultural contexts, and they highlight the importance of understanding the social and political dimensions of scientific knowledge production in policy-making processes. The benefits of serious games are documented in the literature for increasing engagement, understanding complex urban issues, and promoting collaborative decision-making. However, it has also been challenged by critical perspectives from STS scholars who question the transformative potential of serious games, citing evidence that some games reinforce existing socio-technical systems rather than fostering radical change. Results of our study show the importance of a critical approach to serious games, recognising them not only as tools but also as objects of study that reflect broader social and cultural values. Overall, this chapter contributes to the field of STS and Urban Facilities Management by examining the intersection of co-production, serious games, and smart cities, providing a valuable perspective on the potential and limitations of serious games in fostering children’s participation and shaping sustainable urban development.

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The Science of Play: An STS Analysis of Serious Games and Co-production

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2025年

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  • Coline Senior,
  • Bradley Loewen,
  • Alenka Temeljotov Salaj

摘要

This chapter explores the concept of co-production in the context of science and technology studies (STS) and its application to serious games in smart cities. Co-production, which highlights the interdependence of science, technology, and society, challenges traditional notions of expertise and emphasises the active involvement of diverse actors in the design and implementation of technologies. We examine the role of serious games in public participation in smart cities, focusing on their outcomes and limitations from an STS perspective. By focusing on a case study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, we delve into how a serious game has been designed for children’s participation in urban planning, underscored by STS principles. The concept of co-production in STS emphasises the importance of recognising the complex interactions between scientific knowledge, societal practices, and technological innovation. STS scholars argue that scientific knowledge is shaped by social and cultural contexts, and they highlight the importance of understanding the social and political dimensions of scientific knowledge production in policy-making processes. The benefits of serious games are documented in the literature for increasing engagement, understanding complex urban issues, and promoting collaborative decision-making. However, it has also been challenged by critical perspectives from STS scholars who question the transformative potential of serious games, citing evidence that some games reinforce existing socio-technical systems rather than fostering radical change. Results of our study show the importance of a critical approach to serious games, recognising them not only as tools but also as objects of study that reflect broader social and cultural values. Overall, this chapter contributes to the field of STS and Urban Facilities Management by examining the intersection of co-production, serious games, and smart cities, providing a valuable perspective on the potential and limitations of serious games in fostering children’s participation and shaping sustainable urban development.