D3.3: Report on local barriers and drivers to the implementation of visionary solutions in pilots

Work Package 3, led by Eurac Research, is dedicated to identifying problems affecting the VARCITIES pilot areas and providing the common knowledge framework needed to refine and prepare the deployment of the Visionary Solutions (VSs) proposed by the project.

Specifically, Deliverable 3.3 “Report Report on local barriers and drivers to the implementation of visionary solutions in pilots” highlight what are the main drivers (enablers and opportunities) and barriers (challenges and constraints) that can affect the implementation of the Visionary Solutions in the pilot areas. In view of this, the outcomes of the 1st and 2nd co-creation workshops held in each pilot have been analysed by applying two strategic planning tools (i.e. PESTLE and SWOT analyses) that can provide both micro and macro perspectives. The synergy between PESTLE and SWOT analyses delivers an extensive and accurate assessment of the pilot areas’ context and its internal and external interactions, anticipating the relevant influences within the context and from the external environment.

Key messages

  • PESTLE analysis is applied for the detection of external factors that can affect the Visionary Solutions considering different perspectives
  • The combination of PESTLE and SWOT analysis allows to have an overview of the whole context from several angles uncovering the main drivers and barriers
  • The findings are based on the outcomes of the 1st and 2nd co-creation workshops and demonstrate how the co-creation process represents a fundamental component of VARCITIES

Executive Summary

In Deliverable 3.3, the main drivers and barriers are uncovered and analyzed through the application of two strategic planning tools (i.e. PESTLE and SWOT analyses) that can provide both micro and macro perspectives.

In particular, the PESTLE analysis is applied for the detection of external factors that can affect the VSs considering different perspectives: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental. The use of this tool gives a much clearer understanding of the external context and the framework conditions of each pilot area.

The SWOT analysis is then useful for linking the external forces with the internal ones. This tool is one of the most frequently used for the strategic evaluation of projects and identifies issues in the categories of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. The combination of the two strategic planning methods derives from the need to have an overview of the whole context from several angles. This is necessary for better addressing the significant different implications and to achieve widespread adoption and use of the VSs.

Lastly, an impacts assessment is also performed for each pilot area applying a multiple-benefits approach. The results of the PESTLE, SWOT, and Impact analyses show that the pilot areas are intensely working in view of the implementation of the Visionary Solutions they propose, however, some challenges and gaps are in place as the process is complex and several aspects have to be taken into account. The results of this work were presented during the SDEWES 2022 Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems, within the special session about “Local climate planning for climate-neutral and resilient cities”.

This is a public deliverable, you can download it below.

Download D3.3
Work Packages