Resilient cities: Civil engagement in public urban spaces

In this research, we aim to identify the factors that have the most significant influence on shaping individuals’ perceptions of their community’s resilience. We assume that different factors are not equally important in people’s subjective perceptions of resilience. Through a qualitative survey conducted across European regions, with 586 responses, we aim to uncover how resilience is perceived and what factors can strengthen communities’ views on their ability to respond to crises. The results show that the availability of green spaces and environmental quality are among the most important factors in determining perceived resilience in local communities, closely followed by the social dimension, composed of a cohesive society, actual interaction with other people, and a perceived sense of safety. At the same time, the economic situation (economic variety and stability) has a lesser effect on perceived resilience. Moreover, our research does not prove that collaboration across the public, business, and nonprofit sectors increases perceived resilience.