In the dissertation research, a relevant scientific and applied task has been solved, which consists in the theoretical justification and development of practical recommendations for improving the mechanisms of public governance of the social development of a city under the conditions of modern transformational processes. In line with the objectives of the dissertation, theoretical approaches to studying the city as a polyfunctional object of scientific research have been systematized and the features of its social development identified; the basic components of the public governance system for social development of the city have been defined and characterized, and a typology of the corresponding mechanisms has been carried out; monitoring of the social sphere of a large city has been conducted based on a system-dynamic approach, and a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of public governance mechanisms for the social development of large cities has been performed; problems and challenges in the functioning of public governance mechanisms for the social development of the city have been identified, and modern approaches to the formation of a public governance system for the social development of the city have been substantiated; a model of a socially-oriented integrated city (SOIC) has been conceptualized, and practical recommendations have been developed for implementing social innovations as a tool for improving public governance mechanisms for the social development of the city. A conceptual model of a socially-oriented integrated city (SOIC) is proposed, serving as a multi-aspect and interdisciplinary platform for managing community development in the context of social dynamics. This model is based on a balanced combination of legal, political, organizational, and economic approaches, combined with tools of modern social inclusion, technological digitalization, and an urban analytical approach. It has been established that the main characteristics of an innovative city are its ability to perform various functions, integrate different systems into a single whole, ensure the complexity of management processes, as well as demonstrate flexibility and adaptability amid social, economic, and environmental changes. The model implements the idea of a «quadruple helix,» symbolizing partnership between local authorities, business, educational and scientific institutions, and civil society, which in turn creates conditions for the formation of synergistic effects. This contributes to the development of urban innovation ecosystems in the sphere of social relations and significantly improves the quality of life for city residents, adapting the city to the demands of the modern world. The necessity of introducing social innovations, which play an extremely important role as one of the key tools for transforming the mechanisms of public governance of the social development of cities, has been substantiated. It has been proven that the integration of such innovations into the modern management system opens up opportunities for a gradual transition from traditional hierarchical structures to more flexible, effective, and dynamic network models of cooperation based on the principles of collaboration. This significantly increases the adaptability, resilience, and inclusiveness of urban systems, making them capable of responding to contemporary challenges. In addition, a number of comprehensive innovative approaches have been proposed to improve the functioning of political, legal, organizational, and economic governance mechanisms. It has been substantiated that improving the mechanisms of public governance of the social development of the city is possible only under the condition of strategic integration of innovative approaches, the formation of a socially-oriented integrated development model, and the widespread implementation of social innovations. The comprehensive implementation of these approaches will ensure sustainable, inclusive, and effective social development of urban communities, improve the quality of life of residents, and form a modern public governance ecosystem capable of adequately responding to the challenges of an urbanized society.
