In the project "Sharing Neighbourhoods", we wish to study how digital tools can contribute to local and social urban development. How can collaborative sharing platforms be used to improve social interaction in neighbourhoods?
In today's technological societies, there is an emerging interconnection between city development and modern digital platforms. For instance, Uber and AirBnB have impact on transportation and tourism in large cities. Digital platforms also influence social relations in the physical room: Studies show that user mobility in cities is closely related to friendship in online social networks. Digital platforms, however, can act as both including and isolating forces. They can bring large crowds of people together, and may isolate individuals in their immediate social environment.
Our main hypothesis is that seeing the city and the digital platform in relation to each other is crucial in order to address a number of existing societal challenges threatening future cities. A proactive approach to promote social inclusion is important because many modern societal developments, such as increased people mobility and changes in family structures, tend to result in social isolation.
The project will investigate the effects of digital collaborative sharing platforms on the social interactions in neighbourhoods. It project will involve citizens and volunteering organisations. Together we will develop new concepts, and evaluate existing and new platforms.
Sharing Neighbourhoods involves a multi-disciplinary research team, with partners highly experienced within design of digital technologies, societal effects of technology, urban development and social inclusion. The following partners are involved: SINTEF, NTNU, Trondheim Røde Kors, Saupstad Frivilligsentral, Fretex, Seniornett and SeniorIKT. Two institutes at SINTEF contribute: SINTEF Digital (leader) and SINTEF Community. The project duration is 3 years, with a total budgeted effort of 71 PM.
Sharing Neighbourhoods is a research project funded by the Norwegian Research Council as part of the BYFORSK initiative. The research in BYFORSK is about delivering new insight and solutions that foster attractive, sustainable and economically viable urban areas.
SINTEF's role
- Conduct case studies of the services provided by Trondheim Røde Kors, Saupstad Frivilligsentral and Fretex
- Define revelant use cases for pilots
- Plan and conduct pilots
- Evaluate social and economical effects
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Specify policies for the provision of collaborative sharing platform-based care services
- Create awareness and boost citizen participation
