Introduction
The transformative impact of Generative AI (GenAI) and Urban AI is becoming increasingly evident as these technologies redefine societal, economic, and governance landscapes. This special issue seeks to provide a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue among academia, industry, and policymakers to address the ethical, societal, and technical challenges these innovations present.
The issue will critically examine how GenAI and Urban AI can foster trust, inclusivity, and transparency while mitigating risks such as misinformation, algorithmic bias, and automated inequalities. It emphasizes the urgency of aligning these technologies with regulatory frameworks, such as the EU’s AI Act and the Draghi Report, to ensure their development and implementation adhere to principles of sustainability and accountability.
By focusing on practical case studies, decentralized governance models (e.g. Web3 technologies including Blockchain, DAOs, and Data Cooperatives), and actionable frameworks, this special issue aims to advance understanding and provide solutions for pressing challenges. Topics explored include Generative AI's role in public governance, decentralized approaches to AI ethics, and the transformative potential of Urban AI in smart cities.
Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - specifically SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) - this special issue aspires to bridge gaps in research, policy, and practice. It will guide stakeholders in navigating the complex socio-technical landscape of AI to shape a trustworthy and inclusive future.
This endeavour builds on the insights from the ENFIELD Horizon Europe project and its associated workshop, which brought together experts to discuss these critical issues. Through innovative contributions, this special issue will serve as a vital resource for addressing societal challenges and shaping ethical AI governance in a rapidly evolving technological era.
List of topic areas
- Trustworthy AI Frameworks and Misinformation: Exploring definitions and practical applications of trust in AI and strategies for combating disinformation and safeguarding democratic processes.
- Generative AI in the Public Sector: Opportunities for enhancing transparency, accountability, and real-time service delivery.
- Decentralization and Web3: Leveraging Blockchain, DAOs, and Data Cooperatives for AI governance.
- Urban AI: Examining the integration of AI in urban governance, smart cities, and public infrastructure.
- Case Studies: Applications of Generative AI in sectors such as healthcare, education, and governance.
Guest Editor
Igor Calzada,
University of the Basque Country/Basque Foundation for Science, Spain
[email protected]
Submissions Information
Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available by clicking the button below.
Author guidelines must be strictly followed.
Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to “Please select the issue you are submitting to”.
Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal.
Please send an Abstract (300 words) to the special issue Guest Editor, Professor Igor Calzada ([email protected]) before 31st May 2025.
Key Deadlines
Opening date for manuscripts submissions: 1 February 2025
Closing date for manuscripts submission: 31 July 2025
Closing date for abstract submission: 31 May 2025
Email for submissions: [email protected]