Integrated Collaborative Governance Approaches towards Urban Transformation: Experiences from the CLEVER Cities Project

Within the framework of CLEVER Cities Horizon 2020, London, Milan, and Hamburg are putting in place nine Urban Living Labs in order to implement Nature-based Solutions that address urban challenges in socially disadvantaged neighborhoods. In this article, the means by which co-creation processes and pathways may lead to innovation in governance structures are considered. Through a comparative case study analysis, this research aims to identify integrated, collaborative governance frameworks that are complex and adaptive, as well as reflect the actual changes in governance in cities. Herein, ULLs are intended not just as a vehicle for place-based urban regeneration but also as a starting point for collaborative governance. In this article, it is considered how co-creation pathways may lead to innovation in current local governance structures and achieve transformational change. This paper analyzes the collaborative governance dynamic models at three points in time in the three cities. It is also considered how co-creation pathways may lead to innovation in current local governance structures and achieve transformational change

Making cities circular: Experiences from the living lab Hamburg-Altona

The article argues that to reach circular economy goals urban regions need to identify and understand the challenges and opportunities originating from the differences in spatial settings, and to develop place-based solutions by adequately involving (local) stakeholders. Based on the case study that was conducted in Hamburg within the Horizon2020 project REPAiR, spatial specificities in five different urban areas shall be analysed and strategies that were developed in a co-creative process shall be explored. The results show that the spatial organisation of CE strategies depends on urban structures and stakeholders’ interest and needs to be embedded in the (local) governance setting and a spatial planning system

Urban Regions Shifting to Circular Economy: Understanding Challenges for New Ways of Governance

Urban areas account for around 50% of global solid waste generation. In the last decade, the European Union has supported numerous initiatives aiming at reducing waste generation by promoting shifts towards Circular Economy (CE) approaches. Governing this process has become imperative. This article focuses on the results of a governance analysis of six urban regions in Europe involved in the Horizon 2020 project REPAiR. By means of semi-structured interviews, document analysis and workshops with local stakeholders, for each urban area a list of governance challenges which hinder the necessary shift to circularity was drafted. In order to compare the six cases, the various challenges have been categorized using the PESTEL-O method. Results highlight a significant variation in policy contexts and the need for these to evolve by adapting stakeholders’ and policy-makers’ engagement and diffusing knowledge on CE. Common challenges among the six regions include a lack of an integrated guiding framework (both political and legal), limited awareness among citizens, and technological barriers. All these elements call for a multi-faceted governance approach able to embrace the complexity of the process and comprehensively address the various challenges to completing the shift towards circularity in cities

Urban Living Labs as an instrument for co-creating sustainable cities? – Reflections on Hamburg and Milan in the CLEVER Cities project

This research focuses on the role that Urban Living Labs can play in facilitating urban transformation through co-production, and asks how far these ULLs can deliver policy changes and transition of the urban governance setting. As a basis for this research, the authors analyse co-creative transdisciplinary research pro-cesses in the CLEVER Cities project (Horizon 2020). Co-production and co-creation are terms that are lately populating the academia with the intent to define the active engagement of citizens in shaping public ser-vices (Brandsen & Honingh 2018). Beyond the discussion on the actual signifi-cance of the two terms, such engagement approaches have been extensively deployed for implementing urban transformations in spatial planning (Davis & An-drew 2017; Puerari et al. 2018; Loorbach et al. (eds.) 2016). On this theme, en-gagement can occur through different formats and scales, of which the most com-mon are Urban Living Labs (ULL). The ULL concept is currently reaching its peak of glory as a tool for commonly advancing urban regeneration projects (Fran-tzeskaki & Kabisch 2016; Chronéer et al. 2021). ULLs are often used for fostering participation of various stakeholders in a complete co-creation process towards the achievement of a shared consensus and a more open transparent decision-making, thus advancing urban resilience wherein an important role is reserved to citizens and local groups of interest. The plethora of interests and expertise sum-moned in ULLs is expected to bring to the fore high levels of social innovation, while generating a sense of belonging and empowerment among the participants (Rizzo et al. 2021; AMS 2021). Given the specificity of such an environment, the complexity of governing the process of a ULL is enormous and steering its’ development requires mostly a relevant effort. Furthermore, the challenges addressed within ULLs are often re-lated to localised conditions and are therefore directed to generate extremely place-based social and/or physical transformations. However, it can be argued that this specificity could limit the transposition of lessons learned of the urban governance process and its outcomes towards the up-take of such practices 20 (Bisschops & Beunen 2019; cf. Arlati et al. 2021). In fact, scholars are still inves-tigating the pros and cons of conducting co-creation in ULLs versus a more clas-sic participation process (Arnstein 1969). On one hand, resources and time hori-zons dedicated to the ULLs often limit the effectiveness of the same, restricting ‘de facto’ their impacts on a localised specific context. On the other hand, it is still not clear how far ULLs could be adopted as a common practice within the local urban governance settings (Veeckman & Temmerman 2021). Further, the trans-lation of such lessons are dependent on the degree of openness and resilience of the governance structure to accept modifications and adapt to new structural changes demanded from an ULL (Frantzeskaki & Rok 2018). In this article we consider ULL as a container of change, wherein different stake-holders actively engaged themselves with the common objective of reaching a just sustainable urban regeneration. This research article aims to focus on these urban transformation dynamics, in particular to which extent the results from ULLs can deliver policy changes, which implies systematic governance structure changes as well. The analysis is to be done through an ex-post evaluation for the co-creation processes within the ULLs formats that occurred within the Horizon 2020 project CLEVER Cities. Within the project framework, a co-creation path-way tailored-made for integrating Nature-based Solutions in urban regeneration processes was implemented and is used for improving inclusivity (Mahmoud & Morello 2021; Arlati et al. 2021). Through a comparative case study, the evalua-tion will include: 1) the analysis of stakeholders engaged in the co-creation pro-cess and their relationships based on the stakeholder network theory; 2) the shared governance model and degree of co-creation openness and flexibility; and 3) the co-benefits expected to be generated from the collaborative process with regard to social impact (e.g. emerging social bonds and cohesion, and placemak-ing). Against this background, results will reflect in how far ULLs offer a well-grounded instrument for urban transition processes, and which restrictions and limitations have to be considered under the lenses of a social justice discourse (Curran and Hamilton 2012). Finally, conclusions will be drawn from the CLEVER Cities ULLs experience with respect to urban governance settings, introducing e.g. newly originated policies and procedures, and facilitation structures

Stakeholder Participation in the Planning and Design of Nature-Based Solutions. Insights from CLEVER Cities Project in Hamburg

Cities are essential players in responding to the present complex environmental and social challenges, such as climate change. The nature-based solution (NbS) concept is identified in the scientific discourse and further recognized by the European Commission as a part of the solution to address such challenges. Deploying NbS in urban contexts requires the cooperation of different public and private stakeholders to manage those processes. In this paper, the experiences of establishing and managing NbS-related processes following a co-creation approach in the city of Hamburg within the framework of an EU-funded research project (CLEVER Cities) are described and analyzed. The paper identifies and discusses the main emerging factors and challenges from (1) a procedural and methodological perspective and (2) concerning the different roles of the diverse stakeholders involved. This discussion is grounded in the context of existing regulations and novel concepts for citizens’ participation in urban decision-making processes. As research results, the article defines the leading players involved in the process and their roles and interrelationships, along with recommendations for future policy agendas in cities when dealing with NbS planning

Stakeholder Participation in the Planning and Design of Nature-Based Solutions. Insights from CLEVER Cities Project in Hamburg

Cities are essential players in responding to the present complex environmental and social challenges, such as climate change. The nature-based solution (NbS) concept is identified in the scientific discourse and further recognized by the European Commission as a part of the solution to address such challenges. Deploying NbS in urban contexts requires the cooperation of different public and private stakeholders to manage those processes. In this paper, the experiences of establishing and managing NbS-related processes following a co-creation approach in the city of Hamburg within the framework of an EU-funded research project (CLEVER Cities) are described and analyzed. The paper identifies and discusses the main emerging factors and challenges from (1) a procedural and methodological perspective and (2) concerning the different roles of the diverse stakeholders involved. This discussion is grounded in the context of existing regulations and novel concepts for citizens’ participation in urban decision-making processes. As research results, the article defines the leading players involved in the process and their roles and interrelationships, along with recommendations for future policy agendas in cities when dealing with NbS planning

Co-Creation process indicators of nature-based solutions: a deducted assessment methodology for stakeholders’ engagement in CLEVER Front runner Cities

Since 2018, the CLEVER Cities project has put in place an inclusive co-creation pathway that aims at engaging stakeholders (in particular citizens, civil society, public and private stakeholders) in decision-making processes for Nature-based Solutions (NBS) within large-scale urban regeneration projects. The scope of this research is to highlight the importance of conducting an evaluation for co-creation as an added value from the actual implementation of NBS in the collaborative environment of “CLEVER Action Labs” (CALs). Hence, a systematic approach to gather information on each city’s pathway along the co-creation process was developed in order to evaluate: 1) commitment to the process and defining/refining the set of indicators, 2) realistic and relative impacts from the project implementation, and 3) added value to the project in terms of the validation of the co-creation process itself. Within the context of Urban Innovation Partnerships (UIP)[i], different workshops and surveys were used to gather opinions and feedback from cities’ leaders and co-creation facilitators’ teams on the possible criteria of assessment from March 2020 onwards utilizing a reflexive method. Three sets of indicators mainly prioritizing 1) stakeholders’ engagement, 2) shared governance and 3) co-design activities were selected. A learning by doing approach was adopted to structure the results from the framework implementation based on two categories of qualitative and quantitative indicators: procedural indicators (looking at the quality of the process itself in achieving its goals) and impact indicators (that address the expected impacts/results from the co-creation activities). From the workshops with cities in concurrent timeline with the project co-creation processes, two sessions were held to validate the results from the surveys and the previous analysis based on cities exchanges. Two main categories are transversally embedded for measurement: Stakeholders engagement and Shared governance process within the two first project phases of partnership establishment and co-design. The measurements in these two categories are meant to be reflecting the overall co-creation process in the FR Cities and are not entailed to a specific phase (it could happen on a UIP scale or a CAL scale – any scale more detailed than that should be aggregated). The first column (categories) refers to Macro areas of interest such as 1) Stakeholder engagement, 2) Shared governance model and 3) Co-creation pathway (co-design phase so far). Each city evaluation impact is translated into a score board to assess its own co-creation pathway performance; there is no pre-defined success or failure threshold. The general idea is to set a baseline for possible co-creation set of Key performance indicators towards a possible future verification and validation of the methodological framework. The concept behind this methodological approach is not to compare between what “happened” throughout co-creation experiences in the Front Runners of CLEVER Cities, but rather to understand what added value co-creation can have in advancing shared governance models. The analysis will highlight evidence-base from a possible co-creation assessment methodology that takes benefits from the Front Runners’ cities experiences. [i] The UIP is the local public private partnership cluster of actors and stakeholders that carry out the implementation of the project in the local context of each city

Towards a Co-Governance Approach for Nature-based Solutions

The current report analyses co-creation and co-governance for NatureBased Solutions (NBS) based on many European projects. Each project represents different approaches to co-designing, co-developing, co-implementing and co-monitoring NBS projects being deployed in diverse European political, geographical, ecological, governance, socioeconomic, cultural and participatory contexts. The analysis is the basis for the presentation of best practices regarding the co-creation of NBS at its different stages, phases and scales. The report provides guidelines to researchers, practitioners and other experts researching, implementing and/or evaluating territorial regeneration processes that prioritize and advocate for inclusive and nature-based approaches. Those interested or actively operating in the fields related to urban regeneration will find that this report is the result of a joint discussion and analysis of many European projects that pursue the mainstreaming of NBS co-creation and co-governance in strategic planning, urban governance, and urban design. The report starts with an attempt to put together a diversity of features that emerge from the chapters of this publication, under the section Setting the scene: building blocks of co-creation processes. Instead of a list of oversimplified terminology, the section presents a building blocks approach which aims at translating a diversity of approaches, contexts, and knowledge production. The inherent diversity and complexity of the theme are further explored throughout the report, reflecting the discussions, perspectives, and outcomes from many EU-funded sibling projects, and providing insights, case studies and examples from four projects, namely CLEVER cities, Go-Green Routes, PHUSICOS and URBINAT

Harnessing the power of collaboration for nature-based solutions: New ideas and insights for local decision-makers

Local decision-makers are tasked with shaping the future of their cities to foster human well-being and boost resilience and local economies. Yet they also face several critical social and environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, or environmental justice. Nature-based solutions are one important tool available to help shape urban futures and tackle these and other challenges. This briefing paper presents practical examples and inspiration for local decision-makers on utilizing co-governance approaches to promote participatory processes and collaborative creation of nature-based solutions. It explores how to fully harness the potential of these solutions in their design, implementation, and maintenance. Options for overcoming institutional challenges in decision-making around nature-based solutions are presented, and the value of co-governance is demonstrated on the basis of city experiences, aiming to inspire other cities to try more inclusive governance approaches

Aprovechando el potencial de los enfoques colaborativos en el diseño e implementación de soluciones basadas en la naturaleza: Nuevas ideas y perspectivas para tomadores de decisiones a nivel local

Los responsables políticos locales se encargan de configurar el futuro de sus ciudades para fomentar el bienestar humano e impulsar la resiliencia y las economías locales. Sin embargo, también se enfrentan a diversos retos sociales y medioambientales cruciales, como el cambio climático, la pérdida de biodiversidad o la justicia medioambiental. Las soluciones basadas en la naturaleza constituyen una importante herramienta disponible para ayudar a configurar el futuro urbano y abordar estos y otros retos. El presente documento informativo expone ejemplos prácticos que pueden servir de inspiración a los responsables políticos locales sobre la utilización de enfoques de cogobernanza para promover los procesos participativos y la creación colaborativa de soluciones basadas en la naturaleza. En él se estudia cómo aprovechar plenamente el potencial de estas soluciones en su diseño, aplicación y mantenimiento. En este sentido, se presentan opciones para superar los retos institucionales que se plantean en la toma de decisiones sobre soluciones basadas en la naturaleza y se demuestra el valor que reviste la cogobernanza a partir de las experiencias de distintas ciudades con el fin de alentar a otras ciudades a probar enfoques de gobernanza más inclusivos