City strategies, public services and strategic digital city: Berlin case

Hanyeh Bahmanfar; Denis Alcides Rezende; Nourallah Al lahham; Godswill Uduh Okon; Tatiana Souto Maior de Oliveira

doi:10.31637/epsir-2026-2454

Autores/as

Hanyeh Bahmanfar Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5071-4245
Denis Alcides Rezende Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3327-0424
Nourallah Al lahham Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8082-3091
Godswill Uduh Okon University of Uyo https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8745-890X
Tatiana Souto Maior de Oliveira Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8812-9954

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-2454

Palabras clave:

strategic digital city, city strategies, public services with information technology, quality of life, innovation

Resumen

Introduction: Cities are dynamic, rapidly evolving, and growing exponentially, hence the need for constantly improving city strategies, public services with an integration of recent information technology resources and tools for city transformation, good quality of life, economic performance, and sustainability, which plays a vital role in modern urban management. Objective: to analyze how digital technologies influence city strategies and public services, with a specific focus on Berlin’s strategic digital city project and its role in urban development, governance, and citizens' participation. Methodology: focuses on applying both qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze documents of digital policies, strategic plans, performance metrics, and citizen engagement data related to smart technologies. The research protocol was built on two constructs and six variables that assessed improvements in public service efficiency, sustainability, economic competitiveness, and citizen participation in governance. Results: show that Berlin’s digital strategy significantly enhanced public service delivery, increased accessibility, and supported sustainable practices. Economic growth and citizen involvement in governance also improved through digital platforms. Conclusion: Berlin demonstrates how a well-structured digital transformation strategy with a strategic digital city can foster inclusive, efficient, and sustainable urban development, serving as a model for other global cities.

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Biografía del autor/a

Hanyeh Bahmanfar, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná

PhD Candidate in Urban Management at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Brazil. (PUCPR) Citizen Human Rights and Urban Governance Researcher-Master’s in Management Economic Foreign Activity (Adminstration) At National Aviation University Ukraine, Kyiv.

Denis Alcides Rezende, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná

Post-Doctorate in Strategic Digital, DePaul University, EUA and in Municipal Public Administration, USP University, Brazil. Ph.D. in Information Technology and Public-Private Strategic Planning, UFSC University. Affiliation: Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Gestão Urbana (PPGTU), Rua Imaculada Conceição, 1155, Bloco 2 (Azul) - Segundo Andar - Escola de Arquitetura, Bairro: Prado Velho, CEP: 80215-901 – Curitiba – Paraná, Brasil.

Nourallah Al lahham, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná

PhD Candidate in Urban Management at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Architect and Urbanist (PUCPR-2020), Specialist in Sustainable Architecture (PUCPR-2021), Master's in Urban Management (PUCPR-2024).

Godswill Uduh Okon, University of Uyo

Post-Doctorate Researcher in Strategic Digital City at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Brazil. Ph.D in Library and Information Science. Affiliation: University of Uyo, Main Campus, Nwaniba Road, Uyo. PMB 1017, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Tatiana Souto Maior de Oliveira, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná

Strategic Digital City Researcher and PhD Candidate in Urban Management at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Brazil. Affiliation: Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Gestão Urbana (PPGTU).

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