Digital transformation of urban planning management mechanisms: conceptual model, regional effects, and the role of public environmental control

Abstract

Introduction. The digital transformation of the urban environment is one of the most significant processes shaping the contours of modern urban planning policy. The article examines how digitalization transforms the mechanisms of state urban planning management and what economic consequences this entails for the development of cities and regions. The authors argue that digitalization not only complements existing administrative procedures with new tools but fundamentally changes the logic of urban planning management: from reactive regulation to predictive modeling, from closed departmental processes to platform solutions involving multiple stakeholders, from fragmented functions to the integration of urban planning data into unified city digital platforms. Purpose. To develop a conceptual model of the digital transformation of urban planning management mechanisms, to identify regional economic effects of implementing digital solutions, and to substantiate the role of public environmental control in ensuring the balance of urban planning policy. Materials and methods. The methodological framework includes systemic, institutional and evolutionary approaches, as well as methods of data analysis, content analysis, comparative analysis, case study, typological analysis, correlation and regression analysis. The empirical base includes data from the Ministry of Construction of the Russian Federation, digital maturity and digitalization ratings of regions, Rosstat materials, and international cases. Results. Five key areas of transformation are identified: introduction of digital twins of cities, development of state information systems for urban planning activities, automation of permitting procedures, creation of urban planning platforms, use of AI and big data. Economic effects are systematized: reduction of the investment and construction cycle (20-30 %), reduction of administrative costs (2-3 times), increase in investment attractiveness of territories. A typology of regions by the level of digitalization of urban planning management is developed. We propose a conceptual model for transitioning to a digital platform-based governance framework, distinguished by the integration of environmental control and public participation. Conclusions. Digitalization of urban planning management is a paradigm shift in spatial development management. Economic effects do not arise automatically,but depend on the quality of management and organizational changes. Leading regions of digital transformation demonstrate the best indicators of the quality of the urban environment and the volume of housing construction.