Green urban economy – normative modelling approach for planning and implementation

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present the concept of a normative model for planning and implementation of the green urban economy to supplement the city governments in the methodologies required for practical application of sustainable development. The theoretical approach is accompanied by functional verification of the model assumptions based on surveys and interviews in selected cities. Empirical studies were aimed to prepare the preliminary version of the model on the base of mind mapping approach, the review of literature and in-depth observations and analysis, and then to conduct a research testbed through the questionnaire survey (including multidimensional approach) in 18 cities in Europe and America and extended interviews with selected city representatives. It can be stated that the implementation of sustainable development demands clear and unequivocal priorities followed by the future strategies. The comprehensive model requires consideration of city governance in the context of planning and implementation process. The research validates all of the dimensions of the normative model and also provides the opportunity for experiential learning from the quoted examples from Scandinavian and Central European and countries in comparison to the USA cities.