Participation as a Tool for Shared Urban Choices

To address the interconnected challenges of climate change and social inequalities, innovation in urban regeneration must go beyond traditional methods, involving citizens in new and more effective ways. While participatory budgeting and public forums have proven useful tools, the next step is to integrate digital platforms and real-time data analysis into urban planning processes, enabling more dynamic and responsive decisions. One innovative solution is the adoption of policies that promote the creation of ‘sponge cities,’ a concept already implemented in China that integrates rainwater management with the design of multifunctional green spaces. These spaces, designed with the help of technologies such as Digital Twins, can adapt to climatic variations while reducing social inequalities by creating accessible and inclusive public areas. The design of green infrastructure, such as parks, vertical gardens and green roofs, can improve urban resilience, reducing heat islands and fostering biodiversity, as highlighted by Harvey [1] in the context of rebel cities promoting the right to the city. Citizen participation is essential for the success of these projects. The use of digital platforms, which allow residents to interact in real time with urban decisions, can ensure that solutions are not only technically efficient, but also socially just. European legislation on sustainable urban governance, such as the UN's New Urban Agenda [2], encourages the inclusion of all social actors in decision-making processes, reinforcing the importance of participatory governance. [3] In conclusion, innovation, when integrated with regenerative and participatory practices, can become an engine for local competitiveness and sustainable development, simultaneously addressing the environmental and social challenges of contemporary cities