In this third episode of our Urban Innovation Leadership Programme series, we discuss with Honorata Grzesikowska, Founder and CEO of Urbanitarian & spatial and equity designer, and Mela Atanassova, a Facilitator in Innovation Design.

With them, we delve into the topics of collective learning, urban innovation, and the significant influence of city design on societal behaviours. Our guests highlighted the importance of embracing collective knowledge, challenging the glorification of individual achievements, and exploring innovative approaches to urban planning and design that prioritise communal well-being and environmental sustainability.

Additional material :

• Sensemaking Methodology - what it is and how you do it
• Case studies:
  • "Portfolio Approach" - Resolving Uncertainty Through Learning

  • ‘Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones’ — A Portfolio Approach to Governance in Malawi

• Sensemaking Toolkit

Urban Innovators Global and BABLE Smart Cities are proud to announce the launch of the Urban Innovation Leadership Programme – an academic programme that is tailored and totally customizable for your organization. If this sparks your interest, you can reach out directly to us at tamlyn@bable-smartcities.eu for more information.

Overview of the episode:

[00:02:03] Teaser Question: If you could redesign any city, which one would you pick and why?

[00:04:18] What is your background, and how did you get to where you are today?

[00:06:23] Why do you think we struggle with learning from what's already out there, and what makes collective learning so challenging?

[00:08:10] How can we practically apply the concept of collective learning in our work and decision-making processes?

[00:13:15] How do we address the challenge of not learning collectively, especially in urban development and innovation?

[00:16:16] What new professions or approaches are emerging in the field of urban design and planning?

[00:18:00] How important is asking the right questions in the process of urban development and planning?

[00:19:30] Can you discuss the "Not Invented Here Syndrome" and its implications?

[00:22:30] How does urban design influence societal behavior and identity?

[00:24:11] What is collective sense-making, and how can it be effectively integrated into organizational processes?

[00:28:43] Any final thoughts or important aspects you believe our listeners should know about urban planning and design?

[00:33:55] Urban Dilemmas: Our guests steer the story, crafting cities one fictional challenge at a time.

[00:36:23] Ending Question: To you, what is a Smart City?

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