Addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change in the context of developing smart cities requires a phased approach based on the accumulation, validation, and sharing of expertise and specific solutions, with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders.
This volume explores multi-level governance as an essential instrument in transforming the European cities into smart, climate-neutral hubs. Building on the results achieved within the NetZeroCities project, on the principles of the European Green Deal, and the mission to deliver 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030, this book analyzes the evolution of governance models at European and national levels, the institutional coordination mechanisms, and the role of co-creation in shaping public policies.
The case studies dedicated to several European cities, including Romanian cities, highlight key success factors of the transition – institutional coherence, the local administrative capacity, and community engagement – outlining an integrated vision of how collaborative governance can accelerate the achievement of climate neutrality.