Forms of cooperation aimed at implement sustainable development in urban areas

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to identify opportunities for cooperation and to show the role it plays in the context of sustainable development in urban areas. Design/methodology/approach: Based on a review of the available literature and the current legislation, the paper discusses the basic concepts of sustainable urban development and addresses the key objectives of cohesion policy in this regard. Thanks to the information made available in the EU websites, the European Urban Initiative, a portal providing solutions aimed at promoting cooperation between cities and supporting them in the implementation of sustainable development measures, has been characterised. Using the case study method, a detailed description/analysis of three selected projects (implemented as a response to challenges of a local nature and in line with the objectives of cohesion policy) was carried out. The projects have been recognised as innovative and easily replicable by other entities. Findings: The deliberations presented in this paper have made it possible to point out opportunities for cooperation, both between cities and partnerships within them. In this respect, particular emphasis has also been placed on the benefits of cooperation in developing solutions to the challenges of the local environment. Research limitations/implications: The study is qualitative in nature. Among the main limitations, it is worth mentioning the shortcomings of the projects’ documentation used in the case study. It should also be assumed that the next study in this area will be of a quantitative nature, where the interrelation between the use of territorial instruments and the degree of implementation of strategic objectives will be verified. Social implications: The contents discussed below prove the validity of disseminating the principles of sustainable development in urban areas, both from the point of view of developing the various aspects of economic life and of involving residents in this process. At this point, it is also worth referring to the solutions indicated in the case studies, which have been introduced to meet the needs of the local community. Originality/value: The paper presents the cities’ possible options of implementing innovative solutions in the field of sustainable development. In this regard, digital platforms were pointed out, where relevant knowledge is gathered and disseminated, including know-how. Keywords: Sustainable urban development, partnership, European Union. Category of the paper: Case study, literature review.