Speaker
Description
Abstract
The three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental and social (Norman & MacDonald, 2004), demand innovative evaluation methods at urban and territorial scales. Within this framework, the Horizon Europe project VARCITIES (Varcities – Future Cities, n.d.) explores the implementation of Visionary Solutions (VS) aimed at fostering future green cities and enhancing citizen well-being across seven European cities by leveraging cultural, digital, and social dimensions. These VS are designed to implement Nature-based Solutions (NBS), addressing local urban issues through a novel perspective that combines technological and innovative social approaches(Tsekeri et al., 2022). One of the objectives of this project is to provide a clearer understanding of the benefits generated by these urban interventions, with the goal of standardizing the assessment of the Multiple Benefits introduced by these solutions. This standardization could facilitate decision-making for policymakers by aligning solutions with expected benefits, monitoring, and evaluations.
This research introduces the application of the Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology to evaluate urban regeneration initiatives, like in the Castelfranco Veneto municipality, Italy (Vasiliu et al., 2023). These initiatives were developed in collaboration with municipal authorities and local stakeholders. The SROI approach is usually used in two capacities: as a forecasting instrument and as an ex-ante tool for impact assessment (Corvo & Pastore, 2021). This is accomplished through a systematic, six-step procedure. Initially, the analysis goals are established, and the primary stakeholder groups are identified. Secondly, a theory of change (ToC) is developed for each pilot through citizen involvement workshops to link inputs, outputs, and outcomes. The outcomes are then monetized using market proxies or stated preferences, with further adjustments made to avoid over-calculation for displacement, deadweight, and attribution factors to calculate net impact. The final step involves performing a SROI calculation, which entails summing the benefits and disbenefits, both positive and negative, in terms of their present value. This is followed by a sensitivity analysis to assess the robustness of the results. The final step involves the dissemination of results, which entails the sharing of findings with relevant stakeholders to facilitate informed decision-making. A positive SROI ratio is indicative of a beneficial social impact, providing critical insights for municipal administrations.
Nonetheless, the SROI calculation poses challenges in terms of its application for local municipal administrators and small organizations. Frequently, small administrations are deficient in the competencies, the experience, or the guidance necessary to facilitate such processes, which, in principle, could yield numerous advantages, including more straightforward access to local funds. The objective of this study is to simplify the workshops required for engagement through a gamification methodology, with the development of an adaptable SROI game. This concept is currently being tested in various VARCITIES pilot cities. The primary objectives of this initiative are threefold: first, to streamline the organization of workshops, second, to minimize the time, attention, and trust required from participants, and third, to facilitate the collection of data necessary for SROI calculations. The ultimate goal is to ensure efficient allocation of financial resources. This evaluation framework supports strategic decision-making and fosters the replication of effective urban solutions, contributing to sustainable urban transformation.
| Keywords | co-creation; Nature-based solution; SROI; citizen engagement; gamification |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
