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Bridging The Digital Divide In Public Participation: The Roles Ofinfrastructure, Hardware, Software And Social Networks In Helsinki’S Arabianranta Andmaunula, C. J. Gabbe

Environmental Studies and Sciences

Information and communications technology (ICT) itself does not provide communities with a more effective voice in the planning process. However, when ICT is used as a tool to build stronger neighborhood social networks, it can catalyze public participation in planning. The use of ICT as a community-building tool requires a combination of network infrastructure, hardware and software, according to the literature. Additionally, it requires the utilization of human social networks. Based on my study of Helsinki’s Arabianranta and Maunula neighborhoods, I found that catalyzing collaborative planning in Helsinki using ICT requires a combination of infrastructure, hardware, software, and, most importantly, …