Sustainable Urbanization
Local Energy Security in Central and Eastern Europe: The Urban Energy Shift
This article explores how Local Energy Security is reshaping energy systems in Central and Eastern Europe. It highlights the growing role of cities in driving renewable energy adoption, improving resilience, and navigating governance constraints. Case studies from Warsaw, Prague, and Ljubljana illustrate both progress and structural challenges.
Read MoreLocal Energy Security in Central and Eastern Europe: The Urban Energy ShiftCycling Advocacy in Europe: How the European Cyclists’ Federation Is Shaping the Future of Urban Mobility
In this interview, Henk Swarttouw, President of the European Cyclists’ Federation, shares insights on the future of cycling in Europe and beyond. He discusses the role of cycling in sustainable urban mobility, the challenges of building a pan-European cycling network, and practical steps to accelerate change. The conversation also highlights actionable recommendations for cities with low cycling levels.
Read MoreCycling Advocacy in Europe: How the European Cyclists’ Federation Is Shaping the Future of Urban MobilityAre Smart Cities Smart Enough? Beyond the Dashboard
This article examines whether current smart city models are sufficient to address the complex challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and urban resilience. While cities increasingly adopt data-driven technologies to optimise infrastructure and services, these systems often overlook ecological processes and living systems that are critical to long-term sustainability.
Read MoreAre Smart Cities Smart Enough? Beyond the DashboardChina Transportation Digitalization: Where Will It Lead by 2036?
This article explores how China transportation digitalization could transform mobility into a “spatial intelligence layer” by 2036. It examines governance models, infrastructure logic, and new value ecosystems emerging from this shift. The analysis highlights how coordination, not speed, will define the future of transport systems.
Read MoreChina Transportation Digitalization: Where Will It Lead by 2036?The End of Ultra-Cheap Solar? What Rising Module Prices Mean for Urban Solar Energy
For more than a decade, falling solar panel prices fueled the rapid expansion of urban solar energy. Now costs may begin to rise. This article explores what a potential 20–30% increase in module prices could mean for cities, municipal budgets, and future energy planning.
Read MoreThe End of Ultra-Cheap Solar? What Rising Module Prices Mean for Urban Solar EnergyGender-Responsive Urban Planning: Why Cities Must Work for Women
The article considers how the infrastructure of the city often demonstrates gender disparities that may be present in the urban landscape. From gender-responsive facilities to transportation safety, many elements of urban space continue to serve men better than women. This article discusses the possibilities of gender-sensitive urban planning, taking into account examples from Vienna, Barcelona, and Seoul.
Read MoreGender-Responsive Urban Planning: Why Cities Must Work for WomenSmart City Ranking Methodology: Beyond the Top 10 Cities of 2025 (II)
How are the world’s “smartest cities” actually ranked? This article examines smart city ranking methodology, from indicator selection to weighting and normalization. Understanding how the numbers are built changes how we interpret the Top 10 cities of 2025.
Read MoreSmart City Ranking Methodology: Beyond the Top 10 Cities of 2025 (II)Smart City Rankings Methodology: Beyond the Top 10 Cities of 2025 (I)
Who is the smartest city in the world? It depends on the ranking. This article examines how leading smart city indexes define and measure “smartness” and why their results diverge
Read MoreSmart City Rankings Methodology: Beyond the Top 10 Cities of 2025 (I)Intelligent Transportation Systems in 2025: China’s Year of Acceleration and Global Signals for Smart Mobility
The 2025 ITS landscape was dominated by AI large models, embodied robots, and drones in China, alongside global advances in LiDAR and V2X. Key themes included the push for vehicle-road-cloud integration, a booming low-altitude economy, and an industry-wide focus on practical digital transformation.
Read MoreIntelligent Transportation Systems in 2025: China’s Year of Acceleration and Global Signals for Smart MobilityWhen Warmth Becomes a Trap: The Hidden Costs of Winter Urban Heat Islands
Winter urban heat islands are often seen as a seasonal advantage, making cities slightly warmer during cold months. However, growing evidence shows they can worsen air pollution, accelerate infrastructure damage, and create hidden public health risks. This article explores real-world case studies and explains why winter UHIs are becoming a critical issue for sustainable and smart cities.
Read MoreWhen Warmth Becomes a Trap: The Hidden Costs of Winter Urban Heat Islands