City-sense (In): A knowledge governance framework for place-based, informed transition toward healthy urban air

How can urban air quality governance integrate diverse knowledge systems to foster healthier, more sustainable cities? This study addresses this challenge by exploring the potential of co-produced knowledge and data-driven insights to drive transformative change in urban transition processes. Drawing on empirical insights from the Air-Break project in Ferrara, Italy, and a comprehensive literature review, it examines how environmental co-monitoring experiments reshape traditional knowledge systems, particularly when non-traditional actors generate sensitive public health data. It further evaluates the legitimacy and impact of diverse knowledge forms in shaping policies, urban spaces, and public good practices. The study introduces the innovative City-sense(In) framework, a place-based tool for navigating knowledge governance in complex urban planning systems. Designed to support policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers, the framework identifies three key frictions and nine actionable strategies (“smoothers”) to address governance tensions, enhance data reliability, and strengthen knowledge-policy-action integration. Empirical findings emphasize the critical role of intermediaries in bridging urban and citizen science, ensuring inclusive and credible environmental data practices. By addressing urban ecosystem health complexities and leveraging socio-technical innovations, this research offers a scalable approach to advancing environmental governance and supporting cities in transitioning toward cleaner air and sustainable futures. • Introduces the City-Sense(In) framework for urban air quality governance through co-produced knowledge • Identifies three governance frictions and nine smoothers to align data systems, actors, and institutions. • Advances the role of intermediaries and Urban Living Labs in bridging scientific, civic, and policy knowledge systems. • Defines six guiding dimensions and an operational framework for transformative urban capacity • Shows framework's applicability with Ferrara's Air-Break Urban Innovative Action (3-year project) in Italy.