Work

Unlocking social sustainability and inclusivity of digitalized urban public Facilities: A Causal model across global case studies

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The rapid digital transformation of urban environments is reshaping how citizens interact with public infrastructure. One emerging innovation is Digitalized Urban Public Facilities (DUPFs). While DUPFs are widely recognized for their operational and technological benefits, their social implications, particularly regarding inclusivity and social sustainability, remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining how DUPF characteristics, user experiences, and socio-demographic profiles interact to shape perceptions of inclusivity and social sustainability. Adopting a multi-method quantitative research design, the study combines descriptive analysis and inferential modeling techniques. Drawing from a comprehensive literature review, a causal model is developed and validated using survey data collected from users across four global case studies. Through structural equation modeling (SEM) and moderation analysis, the findings reveal that DUPFs significantly enhance social sustainability, especially among marginalized and older users, who benefit most from improved accessibility, usability, and service responsiveness. The results further highlight that higher levels of digitalization and accessible information correlate strongly with perceived inclusivity. Moderation effects show that age and marginalization status amplify the positive impacts of DUPFs, while gender and income have minimal moderating influence. This study contributes novel insights into the social value of digital public services and provides actionable guidance for designing inclusive, user-centered DUPFs that advance equity and urban sustainability across diverse communities.

Source: Technology in Society

DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2026.103217

Authors: Alireza Moghayedi, Kathy Michell, Shalini Urs, Anh Tran, Jim Mason

Institutions: University of Cape Town, University of the West of England, University of Johannesburg, The University of Queensland

Language: English

Topic: Smart Cities and Technologies

Subfield: Media Technology

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Reduced inequalities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,660