“Reimagining the ‘Smart’ in Smart Cities: The Founding of the Smart Cities Research Lab,” Centre for BOLD Cities, Erasmus University Rotterdam, June 3, 2025
“The Centre for BOLD Cities conducts research and public engagement activities in the field of urban digitalisation, data and smart technologies, all for, by, and with citizens and civil servants. In interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary projects, the Centre examines the ethical, technical, social and policy dimensions of urban digital developments. A core principle throughout the work is contestability: ensuring that digital innovations in cities remain open to critical reflection, civic engagement and democratic debate.
SCRL sits as a representative for community stakeholders on the Cultuur & Campus development project in the Rotterdam Zuidneighborhood.. This work seeks to ensure the construction of this campus is equitable and inclusive of the diverse and primarily immigrant communities that currently live in the area. Cultuur&Campus Putselaan promises to be a place for dialogue and collective learning, designed on the basis of the wishes and needs of local stakeholders: residents, students, (budding) entrepreneurs, and teachers.
SCRL also partners with Afrikaanderwijk Coöperatie on a number of initiatives in Rotterdam Zuid including a studio programme speaker series and the international Resurgent Cities Forum convening that was co-hosted by Urban Front.