ENHANCING URBAN DECISION-MAKING IN THE DIGITAL ERA: TOOLS, METHODS, AND INNOVATIONS

Organizers

Isabella M. Lami, Politecnico di Torino
Francesca Abastante, Politecnico di Torino
Elena Todella, Politecnico di Torino
Beatrice Mecca, Politecnico di Torino

Presenters

Benedetta Grieco, University of Naples Federico II
Iuliia Kozlova, University of Bologna
Ozge Ogut, University of Bologna
Francesca Abastante, Politecnico di Torino
Isabella M. Lami, Politecnico di Torino

The interconnected crises of climate change, environmental degradation, and socio-economic inequalities demand a radical rethinking of urban planning and decision-making. In this planetary crisis, cities are pivotal arenas for addressing these challenges, as opportunities for transformative change. Accordingly, in an era of rapid technological and digital advancements, decision-support tools play a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of urban transformation. These tools enable stakeholders to combine structured methodologies with innovative approaches to evaluate and implement sustainable urban projects. Two prominent methodological frameworks guide this discussion: Problem Structuring Methods (PSMs) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). PSMs focus on structuring ill-defined and complex problems through participatory and interactive approaches, emphasizing a collaborative understanding of the issues at hand and facilitating informed decision- making in uncertain contexts. MCDAs offer a systematic way to evaluate alternatives based on multiple, often conflicting criteria, ensuring comprehensive consideration of diverse objectives and trade-offs. At the same time, the integration of global sustainability frameworks such as the 2030 Agenda and SDG11 (targeting inclusive, safe, and resilient cities) requires decision-support tools to bridge the gap between macro-level goals and the specific needs of urban-scale projects. Indicators tailored to the urban context, as well as methodologies that accommodate local specificities, stakeholder diversity, and data availability, are essential for supporting Public Administrations (PAs), planners, and designers in the operationalization of sustainable policies and strategies. This session seeks to explore how decision-support methodologies have evolved in response to complex contextual conditions and the growing influence of digital tools. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• Structuring and supporting decision-making processes for urban projects under uncertainty and complexity;
• Enhancing PAs and stakeholders’ involvement to foster inclusive and equitable planning;
• Employing MCDA to balance ecological, social, and economic priorities;
• Tailoring global sustainability indicators, such as SDG11, to reflect local urban realities;
• Advancing decision support systems with innovative, technology-driven approaches;
• Promoting educational innovations to strengthen methodological adoption.

Through a transversal discussion of these issues, this session aims to provide a supportive framework for the design and implementation of sustainable urban projects. Addressing both the theoretical and applied dimensions of decision support tools, it highlights their continued relevance and adaptability in the face of digitisation and sustainability imperatives. The insights generated should serve to bridge the gap between global aspirations and local realities, promoting practices that prioritise both people and planet, fostering cities that are not only sustainable but also equitable and inclusive for all.

Key words: Urban Decision-Making; Digital Era; MCDAs; PSMs