Turn soft data into action

What?
The future of liveable cities depends on our ability to perform ongoing evaluations of the living standards of our cities, and our ability to come up with solutions based on that data. The Social Cities Index has the potential to influence the liveability of cities worldwide through the sharing of knowledge and tools with the like of its own.

How?
We are developing a program on how to get the most out of our tool, with support from Realdania and the Ramboll Foundation and in collaboration with IFHP’s partners: London School of Economics, Gehl Institute, Implement and 10 Danish municipalities serving as test cities.

The program is divided into three steps

Step 1: The Social Cities Index

First, we develop a method to measure the social sustainability in cities. We call it the Social Cities Index. The index identifies the parameters and indicators that have the greatest effect on social sustainability in cities.

With the Social Cities Index, it is possible to create a profile – an easy-to-read diagnose – of the social sustainability in a city or neighbourhood. With the profile handy, a city can quickly identify its risks and possibilities and learn from other cities with similar profiles.

Step 2. The Social Cities Ideation Lab

Second, the Social Cities programme will propose a fast and efficient process – an Ideation Lab – to develop and implement concrete solutions. Using “design thinking” and involving citizens, experts, politicians and corporations, we develop the solutions and initiatives that make the most sense – and maximizes social sustainability – in the specific local context.

A lab takes its starting point in the Social Cities Index profile (step 1) which maps a city’s challenges and unique opportunities. Because the profile is unique to the city it is possible to create solutions in the Ideation Lab that fit the specific needs of the citizens.

Step 3. The Social Cities knowledge sharing platform

As a third step, Social Cities will share knowledge and experience resulting from the Social Cities Index and Ideation Labs. This ensures that regions, cities and citizens get fast and equal access to knowledge, methods and inspiration. It will save time and money, and avoid constant reinvention of the wheel. The goal is that the best solutions can be shared and adapted across regions and cities.

As we complete more Social Cities Index measurements and Ideation Labs we expect that the amount and quality of our knowledge will grow. It will benefit the social sustainability in cities and enhance the quality of life for citizens all over the world.

Finally, IFHP has some exciting news to share regarding the future and potentials of the Social Cities index as we have established a partnership with the talented professionals behind the Social Progress Index (SPI). The Social Progress Imperative is a global nonprofit based in Washington, DC. It provides decision-makers and everyday citizens with the very best data on the social and environmental health of their societies and helps them prioritize actions that accelerate social progress.

With a combination of IFHP’s global network and datasharing capabilities and SPI’s sheer data-power, we have the potential to reach new heights within the field of indexing social progress and liveability in cities worldwide. If you would like to hear more, or use the tool on your own city, feel free to email info@ifhp.org to hear more about the sharing of our tools and insights.