Keywords

urban innovation, self-governance, tactical urbanism, systematic review, abductive reasoning

Abstract

This dissertation explores how urban leaders and stakeholders can leverage urban innovation to address complex challenges and the uncertainties come with them at the local level, specifically for marginalized communities. Through a series of three standalone articles, including a pilot study on tactical urbanism and two systematic reviews on urban innovation governance and just city implications, the research employs an abductive approach to reconceptualize urban innovation as a platform for collective action and self-governance. The pilot study examines tactical urbanism as a promising trend for addressing uncertainties at the hyper-local level during the COVID-19 pandemic, using a qualitative analysis of academic and grey literature, as well as case studies of tactical urbanism interventions. Building upon these findings, the first systematic review delves into the concept of "urban innovation governance," proposing a participatory, community-based governance conceptualization. This review employs a mixed method meta-synthesis research strategy and an umbrella review methodology to assess the available evidence on urban innovation governance from a multidisciplinary perspective. Through triangulating my theoretical lens, the second review explores urban innovation as a platform for active and inclusive citizenship, utilizing a scoping review methodology to synthesize the practical implications of just city research, and identifying strategies for promoting equitable and inclusive urban transformations. By synthesizing insights from these studies, this dissertation challenges technocratic and top-down perspectives, arguing that community-driven urban innovation is key to locally attuned, inclusive action. The findings contribute to debates on public governance, community development, and innovation, offering evidence-based principles to guide localized innovation governance regimes tailored to unique urban contexts. This research highlights the transformative potential of urban innovation when approached through a self-governing, community-level lens.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Bryer, Thomas A.

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Community Innovation and Education

Department

School of public administration

Degree Program

Public Affairs, Public Administration

Format

application/pdf

Language

English

Rights

In copyright

Release Date

8-15-2027

Length of Campus-only Access

3 years

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Campus-only Access)

Campus Location

UCF Downtown

Accessibility Status

Meets minimum standards for ETDs/HUTs

Download

Restricted to the UCF community until 8-15-2027; it will then be open access.

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