Beyond recovery: how digitalization transforms the urban revitalization paradigm
Abstract
The article is devoted to substantiating digitalization as a system-forming factor in changing the paradigm of post-war urban revitalization in Ukraine. The relevance of the study is determined by the need to shift from linear reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure to the formation of a qualitatively new, resilient, and inclusive urban environment in accordance with the build back better principle. It is proven that in the context of war and post-war recovery, digitalization should be regarded not as an auxiliary modernization tool but as a strategic foundation of public governance for territorial development.
The article analyzes the legal and regulatory framework for the digital transformation of territorial communities within the state regional policy of Ukraine, in particular the provisions of the State Regional Development Strategy for 2021–2027 and the National Informatization Program. The role of local self-government bodies as key actors in implementing digital priorities is identified, and the significance of local programs is substantiated as a practical instrument for integrating national digital transformation guidelines into territorial development policy. A rethinking of the priorities of the typical local program project is proposed, taking into account the tasks of post-war urban revitalization, social inclusion, security, and the restoration of trust in institutions.
The expediency of integrating the results of assessing a community’s digital maturity with strategic management tools (namely SWOT and stakeholder analysis, scenario planning, the Balanced Scorecard, and OKRs) is substantiated, which ensures a transition from intuitive decision-making to data-driven community governance. A conceptual model for integrating digital solutions into an urban revitalization strategy is presented, reflecting the hierarchical relationship between the legal and regulatory framework, the analytical core, and functional digital services.
As a result of the study, it is substantiated that the systematic implementation of digital tools contributes to overcoming the fragmentation of recovery processes, increasing transparency and management efficiency, ensuring social inclusion, and forming resilient urban ecosystems. Digitalization acts as a driver of urban revitalization and creates prerequisites for the sustainable post-war development of territorial communities.
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