Sustainable Finance and Smart Cities

The development of Smart Cities (SC) is inextricably linked to the need to obtain financing for both current projects and long-term investments. Issues related to the financing of Smart Cities, raising funds, their capital structure or financing risks are underexplored and are described in a fragmented manner, with reference to individual initiatives or projects. This book argues that the creation of Smart Cities requires a long-term and holistic approach toward financing strategies. It systematizes the issues related to Smart City financing and develops a financing model that considers a lasting, systematic and complete approach to the development of Smart City solutions. It identifies the opportunities and risks associated with the various sources of financing and the risks of financing in the developed model and presents complex issues related to urban finance in a structured manner. The book characterizes project and collective financing (crowdfunding, associations and foundations), as innovative forms of fundraising and examines the cost of capital and risk vs. green and sustainable financing. The book is illustrated with accessible analyses and practical examples. This book is a comprehensive reference for students and scholars in the fields of public management, public finance and urban planning. It can also be used by both Smart City researchers and practitioners, such as representatives of city governments, municipal governments and local stakeholders, in the process of analyzing and selecting sources of financing for Smart City solutions.

Izabela Jonek-Kowalska is a full professor at the Department of Economics and Computer Sciences at the Silesian University of Technology (Poland). For over 23 years she has been dealing with the economics of business entities, including finance and management of Smart Cities. Her output includes over 400 publications at national and international publishers, as well as many undertakings and projects implemented in cooperation with the business environment.

Aneta Michalak is an associate professor at the Department of Economics and Computer Sciences the Silesian University of Technology (Poland) with over 23 years of experience in corporate and public finance. She is the author of more than 200 publications in national and international journals. Her portfolio also includes numerous valuable projects developed for business stakeholders.