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Engagement and Social Impact in Tech-Based Citizen Science Initiatives for Achieving the SDGs: A Systematic Literature Review with a Perspective on Complex Thinking

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  • Jorge Sanabria-Z

    (Institute for the Future of Education, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
    School of Architecture, Art and Design, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Zapopan 45201, Mexico)

  • Berenice Alfaro-Ponce

    (Institute for the Future of Education, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico)

  • Omar Israel González Peña

    (Institute for the Future of Education, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
    Evidence-Based Medicine Research Unit, Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gómez, National Institute of Health, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
    National Institute of Sciences and Innovation for the Formation of the Scientific Community, INDEHUS, Mexico City 14388, Mexico
    School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico)

  • Hugo Terashima-Marín

    (Institute for the Future of Education, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
    School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico)

  • José Carlos Ortiz-Bayliss

    (School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Mexico)

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 in the joint efforts of international organizations to achieve the 2030 SDG agenda in a complex environment. Thus, UNESCO has recognized CS as being 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 together. Although tech-based CS projects keep rising, there is limited knowledge about which type of projects might allow participants to develop higher-order complex thinking skills. To that end, this study describes a systematic literature review (SLR) and analysis of 49 CS projects over the last 5 years concerning the technology utilized, 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 cities; (d) an opportunity to develop applied native technologies; (e) limited development of participants’ complex thinking, when 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Jorge Sanabria-Z & Berenice Alfaro-Ponce & Omar Israel González Peña & Hugo Terashima-Marín & José Carlos Ortiz-Bayliss, 2022. "Engagement and Social Impact in Tech-Based Citizen Science Initiatives for Achieving the SDGs: A Systematic Literature Review with a Perspective on Complex Thinking," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-22, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:17:p:10978-:d:905212
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Maria Soledad Ramirez-Montoya & Hector G. Ceballos & Sandra Martínez-Pérez & Luis M. Romero-Rodríguez, 2023. "Impact of Teaching Workload on Scientific Productivity: Multidimensional Analysis in the Complexity of a Mexican Private University," Publications, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-17, May.

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