IcARUS Policy Brief: Unveiling the Power of Social Innovation in Urban Security

The evolution and/or transformation of problems related to urban security makes it necessary for public policy-makers to continually adapt their services to new challenges to be able to respond to citizens’ needs in a timely manner. Re-thinking the way in which urban security policies are having a positive impact on the quality of life of all citizens, especially today as public policy processes strive to better align with citizens’ expectations, should be a priority for policy makers.

Many design-based innovation methodologies, including design thinking, human-centred design and strategic foresight, can support local authorities in exploring possibilities without constraints. These processes can inform urban security policies making them more inclusive and truly co-produced, and oriented towards citizens’ needs. They can also speed up their implementation.