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Description
This paper examines governance structures and institutional learning in urban transformation processes for climate change adaptation, focusing on Bologna’s experience within the European Urban Initiative. This program has funded 22 innovative projects across European cities, and Bologna’s TALEA is currently in the early stages of its journey, laying the foundation for future physical and social transformations of urban space.
The TALEA project addresses the pressing challenge of urban heat islands, a growing concern for Mediterranean cities facing increasing climate impacts. At its core, the project introduces the concept of “green cells”—100x100-meter interventions embedded within the dense urban fabric to integrate targeted greening solutions. These interventions aim not only to mitigate urban heat effects but also to strengthen overall urban resilience. However, the project’s significance goes beyond its technical aspects; it prioritizes a participatory and collaborative governance approach. Public authorities, research institutions, implementation partners, and local communities actively contribute to co-designing and co-creating these transformations, emphasizing an inclusive and sustainable vision for urban planning.
TALEA’s governance model is built on multi-level collaboration between local authorities, research institutions, and international city partners, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices across borders. The project serves as a case study for transboundary planning and policy transfer, as partner cities in France, Romania, and Latvia engage in knowledge-sharing and explore the applicability of Bologna’s approach within their own urban contexts. This highlights the role of flexible governance structures and informal networks in advancing adaptation solutions beyond rigid institutional frameworks.
While urban greening has become a priority in European policies and national strategies, integrating these interventions into public and private urban transformation processes remains a challenge. Bologna’s experience illustrates the interplay between soft knowledge—such as governance processes, participatory co-design, and stakeholder collaboration—and hard knowledge, including the technical design and implementation of greening measures. Both dimensions are crucial for the success of transformative urban actions.
By examining the relationship between regulatory frameworks and participatory governance, this paper explores the enabling conditions and institutional barriers that shape the implementation of urban greening projects in dense Mediterranean cities. It raises key questions for broader European applicability: What lessons can Bologna’s early experiences offer to other cities embarking on similar initiatives? What challenges arise in the initial phases, and how can they be effectively addressed? What governance structures and innovative solutions can support cities in overcoming barriers and driving long-term urban transformation?
This paper contributes to the broader discussion on governance and institutional change in urban planning by exploring how multi-level collaboration, participatory governance, and transnational learning shape urban adaptation to climate challenges. By reflecting on these dynamics, it seeks to deepen our understanding of governance mechanisms that can accelerate sustainable urban transitions across Europe.
| Keywords | EU policies, CC adaptation; Policy transfer; Collaborative planning; |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | No |
