STUDY FOCUS This article investigates how Kashiwanoha International Campus Town has engaged its new residents in the development of a smart city, focusing on a human-centered approach that utilizes smart technologies to address local social issues and enhance resident participation. By employing qualitative methods, including analysis of official documents, field observations, and interviews with citizens and planners, the study highlights the importance of context-sensitive and collaborative strategies in building community within newly developed urban spaces. The findings reveal that investing in citizen participation and placemaking is crucial for fostering community ties and creating an environment conducive to innovation. However, challenges persist in empowering grassroots initiatives, indicating that achieving a balance between community-driven and technology-driven development is complex. POLICY RECOMMENDATION The article makes several policy recommendations aimed at improving citizen engagement in smart city projects. These include prioritizing resident input in planning processes, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and creating platforms for grassroots innovation. By addressing these aspects, the study seeks to shift the narrative surrounding new smart cities from one of criticism to one of opportunity, emphasizing the potential for creating vibrant, inclusive communities through thoughtful engagement and participatory practices. STUDY FOCUS This book, The Social Science of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Call to Action for Researchers, edited by Monica K. Miller, explores the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on various aspects of society, including education, family dynamics, and the economy. Recognizing that the pandemic presents unique challenges that go beyond medical and health sciences, the book emphasizes the importance of understanding social behaviors and psychological responses to the crisis. Florentin, Kevin Macarius, Motoharu Onuki, and Masaru Yarime, “Facilitating Citizen Participation in Greenfield Smart City Development: The Case of a Human-centered Approach in Kashiwanoha International Campus Town,” Telematics and Informatics Reports, 15, 100154 (2024). Tyrala, Michael. (2024). “World-Systems Analysis and the COVID-19 Pandemic: How the Structural Dynamics of the Capitalist World-Economy Exacerbate Societal Vulnerability and Undermine Collective Responses to External Shocks”. In: Miller, Monica K. (Ed.). The Social Science of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Call to Action for Researchers (pp. 500-514). Oxford University Press. POLICY RECOMMENDATION Through a collection of essays by international scholars, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the pandemic’s timeline, detailing how it has reshaped daily life and societal norms. It examines individual behaviors and experiences during the pandemic, discusses the long-term outcomes following the crisis, and offers best practices for conducting future social science research related to pandemics. The book serves as a vital resource for researchers and policymakers, aiming to promote recovery from COVID-19 and minimize the negative impacts of future crises. By highlighting the significance of social science in understanding and addressing pandemic-related challenges, it encourages a collaborative approach that integrates psychological and societal perspectives into public health responses. 22 SCHOLARLY SHOWCASE
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