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Smart specialisation, triple helix, open innovation and smart cities. Going beyond the jargon

Planning and urban sprawl

Most planners and city politicians agree that urban sprawl endangers the sustainability of urban development. There is a clear conflict between the benefits of the few who get better life conditions in the suburbs and the problems of the many whose quality of life is negatively affected by the externalities (environmental consequences of land take and growing traffic) of sprawl. 

Combining horizontal and vertical integration

Data Driven Cities

Big data and open data are buzz concepts in urban governance. But what do they mean? Where is the current good practice? And how can cities get smarter in using both their own data and data sourced elsewhere? This issue is a regular feature for debate on new forms of public sector governance. By Sally Kneeshaw, URBACT Thematic Expert

The case of Urban Food Systems

Against the backdrop of climate change, cities are facing increasing environmental challenges that threaten the quality of life and opportunities that urban environments can offer to their residents. Urban food systems can provide methods to help cities to tackle low carbon and resource efficiency through integrated sustainable urban regeneration.

Communication Channels for the City: Old Formulas Revisited and New Paths

Integrated city branding is not about logos & campaigns, but building up unifying and updated narratives of the contemporary city. That´s in essence the brand concept when applied to cities and places...