The 4IR UZ-DRUP Urban Observatory: Tactical Urban Resilience through Applied Game Theory

Abstract

This paper explores the possibility of how urban resilience can be enhanced through the use of applied game theory. The aim is to introduce the concept of a Local Urban Observatory as a tool that will facilitate higher levels of urban resilience. The paper builds on secondary data while making a case in which reflection and application are interwoven into a discussion for mapping the future of the Department of Rural and Urban Planning at the University of Zimbabwe. It is acknowledged that we are now living in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This revolution is characterised by the emergence of cyber-physical space, the internet of things and networks. Its fundamental characteristic is that of disrupting long standing traditional socio-economic systems which include prevailing urban model paradigms in Zimbabwe. Firstly, an overview of Game Theory is explored as it relates to urban resilience and climate shift. Secondly, the operational paradigm of the fourth industrial revolution and how it is disrupting existing urban paradigms is put forward. The model of the 4IR (4th Industrial Revolution) Urban Observatory is then described and how it can assist in promoting urban resilience. The key issue is to understand how urban resilience and climate shift can be better understood through the use of concept of Game Theory. It is concluded that for enhanced future resilience, urban systems in Zimbabwe need to shift to new paradigms of infrastructure design and deliberately develop 4IR communities. To achieve this, tools such as the Urban Observatory are now indispensable in the future.