Active Ageing in Inclusive Urban Social Innovation

Abstract

This article examines the convergence between active ageing, inclusive social innovation, and smart city development, proposing the concept of the Inclusive Urban Social Innovation Ecosystem (IUSIE) as a systemic framework for enhancing the quality of life for older adults in urban environments. The study explores how urban governance, digital transformation, and community-based collaboration can collectively support health, autonomy, and participation among ageing populations. Using a literature-based review combined with comparative analysis of recent international policy and innovation practices, the paper develops and validates three interconnected research hypotheses. These hypotheses address the role of IUSIE as a complex adaptive system for active ageing, the function of inclusive social innovation as a bridge between ageing processes and artificial intelligence, and the expression of smart city adaptability through urban inclusiveness. Case studies from Europe, Asia, and North America illustrate how age-friendly urban innovation is being pursued through participatory methods, technology-enabled services, and ecosystemic policy integration. The findings confirm that addressing active ageing in smart cities requires interdisciplinary, inclusive, and context-sensitive strategies. The IUSIE model offers an integrative perspective for designing urban environments that are not only technologically advanced but also socially responsive and longevity-ready.