Engagement and social impact in tech-based citizen science initiatives for achieving the SDGs: A systematic literature review with a perspective on complex thinking

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed significant achievements and technological advances in Citizen Science (CS) projects; nevertheless, significant global challenges are present. Proof of this is the joint efforts of international organisations to achieve the 2030 SDG agenda in a complex environment. Thus, UNESCO has recognised CS among the initiatives that could bridge the Science, Technology, and Innovation gap as a substantial resource given its power to bring the general public closer. Although tech-based CS projects keep rising, there is limited knowledge about which type of projects might allow participants to develop higher-complex thinking skills. To this end, this study describes a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and analysis of 49 CS projects over the last 5 years concerning the technology utilised, the level of citizen involvement, and the intended social impact. The results of the analysis evidenced a) broad implementation in Europe on issues of the built environment, disaster risk, and environmental and animal monitoring; b) prevalence of helix configurations other than the Triple, Quadruple, and Quintuple Helix innovation models; c) a focus on technological developments to improve living conditions in the city; d) an opportunity to develop applied native technologies; e) limited development of participants’ complex thinking, constrained to low levels of involvement; and f) an opportunity to develop native technologies and promote a higher level of citizen participation, leading to more significant impact whilst developing complex thinking.