D4.5 Overview report on new governance models of sustainable happy cities

Work Package 4, led by Prospex Institute, aims to implement tailor-made participatory processes for all levels of engagement, for example, internal, local and European, with the aim of facilitating VARCITIES co-design solutions, keeping in mind the digital nature of some of the VARCITIES products.

Specifically, within WP4, Task 4.5 involve observing governance dynamics in VARCITIES pilots to analyse how innovative, nature-based solutions challenge and reshape traditional governance models, using qualitative methods to identify effective practices and lessons for sustainable urban governance.

Key messages

  • Effective urban governance for NBS and smart city solutions requires breaking down sectoral silos and fostering cross-departmental collaboration. Establishing a common vision and shared language early in the project is crucial to enable coordinated action.

  • Governance actors must adopt an open-minded and experimental approach, adapting to unexpected challenges while tailoring solutions to the unique, context-specific needs of each city rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.

  • Engaging local stakeholders, including end users, through co-creation enhances legitimacy, ensures solutions meet local needs, and fosters a sense of ownership, which strengthens transparency and accountability in urban governance.

Executive Summary

D4.5 explores the emergence of new governance models as a result of implementing these visionary solutions. Specifically, the report examines the challenges these interventions pose to existing governance frameworks, how governance actors are responding, and what lessons can be drawn for other cities. The focus is on the early implementation stages, co-identification and co-design, which are crucial to the long-term success of nature-based actions in urban settings.

The findings are based on interviews with pilot leaders and local experts across the seven VARCITIES sites, complemented by insights from previous literature reviews. Results show that the role of planners and practitioners is being redefined. They are increasingly expected to facilitate stakeholder engagement, manage complex coordination across sectors, and ensure the integration of diverse community needs into project design and delivery.

Based on these insights, the report offers several recommendations for other cities implementing visionary NBS. First, stakeholder engagement should be rooted in locally adapted strategies that not only enable participation but foster a sense of ownership. Second, the co-creation process must strike a balance: it should be sufficiently defined to provide clear direction, yet flexible enough to allow meaningful stakeholder input. Third, building a shared vision and common language among institutions is essential to overcome the fragmented nature of governance structures.

These reflections on governance innovations and co-creation processes contribute to the operational knowledge needed to make NBS successful. They offer valuable guidance for urban policymakers and practitioners aiming to develop more sustainable, equitable, and resilient cities.

This deliverable is not approved yet, as such the full deliverable is not available to the public.