URBAN-NEXUS, synthesising recent and on-going urban research, rather than initiating new research
European cities face many significant challenges, including the current economic crisis, urban sprawl, and the longer-term implications of climate change and resource scarcity. Cities themselves currently account for around 70% of global emissions and are major contributors to the overall ecological footprint. In order for cities to effectively face these challenges, it is essential for all concerned stakeholders to collaborate. The EU funded Framework Programme 7 (FP7) project, URBAN-NEXUS, will, amongst other things, facilitate the process of bringing these stakeholders together, in view of reducing the overall ecological footprint of cities.
The launch of URBAN-NEXUS
This particular urban field is characterized by a multiplicity and diversity of overlapping and typically disconnected urban policy research. There is a huge potential benefit to be gained in reviewing and synthesising recent and ongoing urban research in this area, rather than initiating new research. With this coordination action, URBAN-NEXUS will facilitate a collaborative approach by means of developing a structured dialogue. This will enable rich communication and partnership building, leading to joint research and the exchange of knowledge and experience.
The consortium
URBAN-NEXUS will start on the 1st of September 2011 and will run for three years. The consortium will be led by Nicis Institute and brings together 13 other leading knowledge institutes, research organisations and government agencies from nine EU-countries. In its wider stakeholder group, URBAN-NEXUS is supported by a further 25 strategic partners. Its long-term perspective, as well asa dedicated contribution of partners from all across Europe will allow the consortium to elaborate extensively on the various themes connected to reducing the urban footprint and to build solid, long-lasting partnerships amongst all stakeholders.
Goals of the project
URBAN-NEXUS has 3 main objectives, all dedicated to the overarching theme of reducing the urban ecological footprint:
- It aims to identify innovative ways for urban policy makers and researchers to collaborate to solve the complex and interrelated problems that confront sustainable urban development.
- It will increase awareness among relevant stakeholders in the 5 thematic areas, and allow them to exchange knowledge, collaborate and cooperate.
- It will make possible partnerships between relevant stakeholders, in particular researchers and those who apply knowledge, for long-term strategic cooperation across scales and disciplines.
You can read more about URBAN-NEXUS in the Factsheet under the Reference material in the right corner of this page.