Surveillance and Foresight Process of the Sustainable City Context: Innovation Potential Niches and Trends at the European Level

Alba Arias, Irati Otamendi-Irizar, Olatz Grijalba, Xabat Oregi and Rufino Javier Hernandez-Minguillon
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Alba Arias: CAVIAR Research Group, Department of Architecture, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Oñati 2, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
Irati Otamendi-Irizar: CAVIAR Research Group, Department of Architecture, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Oñati 2, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
Olatz Grijalba: CAVIAR Research Group, Department of Architecture, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Oñati 2, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
Xabat Oregi: CAVIAR Research Group, Department of Architecture, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Oñati 2, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
Rufino Javier Hernandez-Minguillon: CAVIAR Research Group, Department of Architecture, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Oñati 2, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 14, 1-13

Abstract: Over the last decades, the environmental situation of the planet has worsened. Much of the pollution and energy consumption is attributed to cities, which are expected to increase in size and population in the coming years. It is therefore necessary to develop systems to make them more sustainable and resilient. In this regard, different agendas, strategies, and regulations have been published, such as the 2030 Agenda. The current research carried out a surveillance and foresight process at the European level in the field of the sustainable city, analyzing actions accomplished, ongoing, or forthcoming from 2014 to the present (2020) and coming years. The objective is to identify the potential niches and opportunities for decision making to develop successful projects in this sector. The study concludes that one of the most promoted themes is related to the environment, highlighting nature and biodiversity in cities to improve environmental quality and achieve the decarbonization necessary to fight climate change. Furthermore, society plays an important role, emphasizing the need to promote the population’s inclusion and empowerment. It also underlines the promotion of urban regeneration, which should include energy transition and digitalization to create smart cities, with local circular economies.

Keywords: surveillance and foresight process; sustainable cities development; international trends; 2030 Agenda (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
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