Bringing Sectors Together in Da Nang, Vietnam: Participatory Systems Mapping

Area of Science:

• Urban Planning
• Public Health Systems
• Community Development

Background:

• The Building Healthy Cities (BHC) initiative in Da Nang, Vietnam, involved 108 stakeholders from 2019-2021.
• Qualitative data were collected through workshops and town halls to inform systems mapping.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify barriers and leverage points for achieving smart and livable city goals in Da Nang.
• To develop systems maps illustrating multi-sectoral collaboration dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative data synthesis from workshops and town halls.
• Development of systems maps based on stakeholder input and BHC activities.
• Identification of key patterns in management quality, leadership, workforce capacity, and community engagement.

Main Results:

• Low collaboration between citizens, NGOs, and the private sector hinders effective policy and program impact.
• Four key leverage points were identified: investing at all levels, improving information technology, increasing participation and feedback, and creating responsive policy.
• Systems thinking skills will be embedded in the local workforce through training.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing multi-sectoral and multi-level collaboration is crucial for Da Nang's smart and livable city objectives.
• Targeted interventions at identified leverage points can overcome participation barriers and improve policy outcomes.
• Capacity building in systems mapping will support future sustainable urban development efforts.