Networked publics and participation in urban heritage – global research trends 2013–2023

The concept of the ‘networked public’ has been deemed to be pertinent for individuals and communities involved in the field of urban heritage. There have been literature reviews on the applications of digital tools for heritage practices, which address the empowering potential of technologies. However, there is a dearth of research on the extent to which networked publics engage in urban heritage. The objective of this study was to offer a more comprehensive understanding of the global research trends regarding the involvement of the ‘networked public’ in urban heritage from 2013 to 2023. The findings revealed a consistent increase in the number of publications. However, partnerships between nations and research institutions were scarce. Additionally, keyword analyses were implemented to illuminate the primary research focal points, which include topics, such as immersive technologies, smart cities and management, co-creation and cultural heritage tourism.