Title: Engaging digital services for the creation of urban knowledge ecosystems: the case of Thermi, Greece

Authors: Margarita Angelidou; Nikolas Gountaras; Paraskevi Tarani

Addresses: URENIO Research Unit, Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University Campus, 54121, Thessaloniki, Greece. ' URENIO Research Unit, Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University Campus, 54121, Thessaloniki, Greece. ' URENIO Research Unit, Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University Campus, 54121, Thessaloniki, Greece

Abstract: This paper discusses the way digital services advance urban knowledge ecosystems. The introductory part sets the frame of this paper; the second part conducts a systematic literature review regarding the association of knowledge with urban development since the beginning of the millennium, placing emphasis on urban knowledge ecosystems. The third part explores the benefits of using digital services in the implementation an urban knowledge ecosystem. The fourth and last part of the main body of this paper examines the urban knowledge ecosystem at the medium-sized city of Thermi, Greece, where in recent years a series of digital services were put in operation. The final and conclusive part of this paper examines the integration of digital services within the urban realm, based on the experience of Thermi, and how this process can support the development of knowledge and innovation-led cities.

Keywords: knowledge ecosystems; knowledge cities; digital services; digital platforms; spatial intelligence; urban development; Thermi; Greece; literature review; innovation; knowledge-based development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKBD.2012.050090

International Journal of Knowledge-Based Development, 2012 Vol.3 No.4, pp.331 - 350

Received: 19 Dec 2011
Accepted: 06 Mar 2012
Published online: 31 Jul 2014 *

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