The transformation to a sustainable society involves a multitude of actors such as municipalities, businesses, public organisations, academia and citizens, together advancing new knowledge and going beyond traditional ways to act. The research theme Urban Transformation focuses on how to develop policy, tools and approaches supporting effective urban governance leading to a sustainable society.

The research theme Urban Transformation is solution-oriented and supports policy-making processes as well as locally initiated governance and actions, including energy communities. Focus in research is to analyse methods, tools and approaches such as collaborative dialogues, urban living labs, financing models, local regulations and innovation procurement for urban transition processes, with the purpose to improve social, economic and environmental quality in urban arenas.

Part of the research on Urban Transformation focuses on how urban nature and nature-based solutions can deliver multiple benefits to cities and their residents; how sustainable processes of planning, governance and participation can advance biodiverse, climate adapted, resilient and just cities.

Ongoing research projects on this theme

The IIIEE is currently working with urban transformation and nature-based solutions in a number of projects.