Cities in Transition ─ Social innovation for Europe urban sustainability

 Cities in Transition focuses on the sustainability transitions initiated in 40 European cities. The book presents the incredible wealth of insights gathered through hundreds of interviews and questionnaires. Four key domains—local energy systems, local green spaces, local water systems and local labour markets—have been the focus of the field research investigating local potentials for social innovation and new forms of civil society self-organisation. Examining the potential of new organizational frameworks like co-operatives, multi-stakeholder constructions, local-regional partnerships and networks for the success of such transitions, this book presents the key ingredients of a sustainable urban community as a viable concept to address current global financial, environmental and social challenges.

Crucial reading for academics and practitioners of urban planning and sustainability in Europe,Cities in Transition is an innovative roadmap for sustainability in changing cities.

Thomas Sauer is Professor of Economics at Jena University of Applied Sciences (EAH), Department of Business Administration. His key qualifications as researcher are urban and regional economics and the analysis of collective decision-making. He is member of several international economic associations like the International Society for Ecological Economics.

Cristina Garzillo is coordinator for Governance and Social Innovation at ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. Previously contract professor at the University of Parma, she is recognised for her expertise in local sustainability processes, integrated management and governance, and her publications in the field of local sustainability, knowledge brokerage and transition.

Susanne Elsen has worked as Professor of Sociology and Social Development at the Free University of Bolzano since 2010. She is vicedean for research and director of the Faculty of Education’s PhD-Programme. Her main research topics are social innovation, local development and community economy, sustainability and post growth society.