Sustainable Urban Transformation

Cities have a key role to play in the transition towards sustainability. All over the world, cities are rapidly expanding and experiencing radical social and economic transformations. This results in complex challenges, but also in opportunities, both globally and locally. Cities will be centers for creativity and invention that provide opportunities for technological and social innovations; through green urban governance we can support achieve a green transformation.

IIIEE research advance knowledge and conduct independent and comprehensive analyses in how to support a sustainable urban transformation. The research addresses complex problems and the reality that knowledge on sustainable urban development is insufficient and fragmented. To support sustainable urban transformation, IIIEE develops new knowledge and new methods relating to different types of urban systems. Problem formulations, research and implementation processes are developed in close collaboration between practitioners and researchers. Focus in on green urban governance.

Research in Sustainable Urban Transformation at IIIEE relates to the Research Themes:

• Energy and Climate Change
• Product systems and Waste Management
• Sustainable Consumption and Lifestyles

The Research Themes bring together economists, engineers, political scientists, and lawyers –among others- to carry out multidisciplinary research. With a strong applied and policy focus, research at the IIIEE aims in particular to:

• Fill critical gaps in knowledge about institutional, market and social determinants that encourage or hamper rapid progress towards a Sustainable Urban Transformation;
• Assess the performance of policies (e.g. efficiency, cost-effectiveness, transaction costs) taking green urban governance as a main framework for our assessments;
• Provide recommendations to advance policies and business practices addressing a Sustainable Urban Transformation.

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