Work

From mapping to alliances: practice-informed entry points for stakeholder engagement in EU mission cities

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Stakeholder engagement and co-creation are essential components of urban planning and implementation processes. There is growing awareness that engagement throughout the project lifecycle is crucial for successful implementation and ownership. While several methodologies are available, further progress is needed on how to leverage each stage of engagement to build consensus and foster partnerships. Several EU-funded projects demonstrating how sustained engagement can be implemented within the context of the European Green Deal and the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities have been analyzed to understand current practices. As a working resource for city practitioners and other projects, this article provides perspectives, practical tools and case studies from cities, organized into three entry points. We trace the process from stakeholder mapping, including reaching beyond commonly engaged groups, to the formation of alliances for ongoing knowledge exchange. Lastly, the article also explores insights on language and terminology while designing and implementing stakeholder engagement processes. Building upon existing research and collaboration with cities, this practice-based perspective aims to stimulate discussion on emerging trends in engagement within the planning and implementation of broader climate action goals.

Source: Frontiers in Sustainable Cities

DOI: 10.3389/frsc.2025.1658127

Authors: Nilofer Tajuddin, Leon Kapetas

Language: English

Topic: Sustainability and Climate Change Governance

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,418

Funder: HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme