Governance Networks for Sustainable Cities: Connecting Theory and Practice in Europe

This book explores the effectiveness of governance networks on the design and implementation of sustainability strategies.

European cities are actively developing sustainability strategies to address the impact of climate change. One recent approach many cities have taken is the creation of ’governance networks’ groups of public, private and third sector organisations, which collaborate to support urban sustainability efforts. Drawing on two case studies in Glasgow and Copenhagen, this book explores the concept of governance networks in theory and practice, revealing how stakeholder collaboration, leadership and innovation within these networks can help or hinder the process. It also highlights the many benefits of these networks, including increased participation in the decision-making process, increased levels of resources and expertise on sustainability issues, as well as stakeholder buy-in for sustainability policies.

This book provides recommendations for improving the efficiency of governance networks and will be of interest to academics and practitioners working in the areas of urban governance and sustainability.

Katherine Maxwell is currently Visiting Fellow at the Global Centre for Healthcare and Urbanisation (GCHU) at Kellogg College, University of Oxford. She is also an Associate at WSP, leading the Net Zero Cities team. With over a decade of experience working with municipalities on their ambitious sustainability strategies, Dr Maxwell has worked with C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, LSE Cities, The University of Edinburgh, Cambridge ZERO and the Scottish Government.