Complex Systems Theory in Regional and Urban Marketing: Strategies for Resilient, Sustainable, and Smart Cities

Dear Colleagues,

Complex systems theory offers a valuable framework for understanding the dynamics of regional and urban marketing. This theory views cities as interconnected systems where various elements such as infrastructure, economy, environment, and social networks interact in complex ways. By applying this perspective, urban planners and marketers can develop strategies that enhance the resilience, sustainability, and intelligence of cities.

In this sense, resilient cities are those that can withstand and recover from various shocks and social stresses, such as natural or economic crises. Strategies to build resilience often involve diversifying the economy, investing in robust infrastructure, and fostering strong community networks. Sustainable cities focus on long-term environmental health, economic development, and social equity. This strategy considers promoting green technologies, efficient resource use, and inclusive policies that ensure all residents benefit from urban development. Smart cities leverage technology and data to improve urban living. This includes using sensors and IoT devices to monitor and manage city resources, enhancing public services through digital platforms, and encouraging innovation through smart governance.

By integrating these concepts, urban marketers can create comprehensive strategies that not only address immediate challenges, but also promote the long-term urban health, vitality, and viability of cities in the future.

The topic “Complex Systems Theory in Regional and Urban Marketing: Strategies for Resilient, Sustainable, and Smart Cities” is aligned with the scope of the journal; that is, “Systems” focuses on systems theory in practice, including areas such as systems engineering management, urban planning, environmental management, and complex social systems. Due to the complex systems theory being central to understanding the interconnected and dynamic nature of urban environments, by applying this theory, the topic addresses how various urban elements interact and influence each other. On the one hand, the strategies for building resilient cities involve systems-based project planning and robust infrastructure development, which are directly related to systems engineering management. On the other hand, sustainable cities focus on long-term environmental health and social equity, aligning with the journal’s interest in environmental management and complex social systems. Furthermore, smart cities leverage technology and data fitting into the journal’s sections on digital systems and intelligent planning. Overall, this topic integrates multiple aspects of systems theory and practice.

We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions and sharing ground-breaking advancements in the field of the above mentioned subjects.

Dr. Luis Manuel Cerdá Suárez
Guest Editor

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• complex systems theory in social sciences
• urban marketing
• resilient cities
• sustainable cities
• smart cities
• citizen participation in cities
• agent-based simulation
• urban planning
• regional and urban development