Challenge-led system mapping covering USAGE pilot cities

2023, November 06. Which relationship between policy processes, climate challenges and stakeholders’ needs?

In the scope of the first task in WP2, our objective was to understand the local ecosystems of the pilot cities of Ferrara, Graz, Leuven and Zaragoza, by analysing the relationship between policy processes, climate challenges and stakeholders’ needs concerning the promotion of data-driven innovations. To achieve this, we combined documentary analysis and in-depth interviews with over 45 stakeholders, shedding light on the critical elements of the sociotechnical systems of each pilot city. Through the cross-pilot comparison, we uncovered both differences and consistent similarities in the way challenges, needs and responses are articulated across the cities. 

Identified climate challenges

Among the multiple challenges associated with climate change, city stakeholders have identified several pressing hazards. These include the adverse effects of high temperatures, which can lead to the formation of heat islands, especially in highly built-up cities; and rising precipitation levels that result in floodings. To address these specific environmental challenges, USAGE is developing use cases that exemplify how the data value chain can be integrated into local ecosystems to support different phases of the policy-making process.

Policies on data and environment

Pilot cities have adopted distinct policy approaches (strategies and instruments) to orchestrate actions concerning climate change, all while harnessing the potential of data. In Ferrara, we observed a ‘sectorised’ approach, where no single climate policy was adopted rather several ones spanning different aspects/sectors of climate mitigation and adaptation (mobility, buildings, energy etc.). An ‘integrated’ approach was embraced by Graz, Zaragoza and Leuven, wherby a holistic model ensures the alignment across various aspects of the city climate strategy. For instance, Leuven established a Climate Team to facilitate cross-department collaboration, while Zaragoza relies on municipal councils and working groups to coordinate efforts within and outside municipal administration. 

Stakeholders and their needs

Both public and private actors generate and share data relevant for climate policy decision-making at the urban level. Across the four pilot cities, we identified multiple stakeholder groups, each with specific roles and corresponding needs. These needs are context-dependent and vary based on prior capabilities. While in the next months we will gather needs of other relevant stakeholders, here we report common trends emerged among municipal respondents.

• Legal: Across all cities, there is consensus on the necessity for agreements, rules and procedures for data exchange; as well as regulations on specific aspects like mobility or green space planning.

• Organisational: Respondents from the cities emphasised the need for improved skill sets of municipal staff for data analysis (ex-post, forecast). On a technical side, Ferrara stakeholders emphasised the need for harmonised methods for data collection, while in Graz, harmonisation is sought also for data use and management.

• Strategic: In some cities, such as Ferrara, Graz and somewhat Zaragoza, additional financial resources for climate change initiatives are needed. Overall, respondents demanded enhanced coordination of citizen involvement, and a transversal policy to consolidate actions in the mitigation and adaptation plans.

• Informational: All four cities underscored the need to integrate available data across information systems, as well as share knowledge and information across municipal departments. 

• Technical: City stakeholders recognised limitations in interoperability and standardisation. They require tools for data visualisation and communication with users. Moreover, respondents insisted on the need for metadata catalogues and uptake of open-source solutions (data, tools) 

Data value in coping with climate challenges 

Data hold value throughout every stage of the policymaking cycle. Evidence collected from the pilot cities revealed especially the realised value of data. Nevertheless, further efforts are required to unlock the potential value of data, particularly during the agenda setting and policy formulation phases. Interviewees from pilot cities stressed the importance of moving beyond data collection for monitoring purposes and leveraging data when formulating and implementing actions. For instance, the accuracy of data used in the agenda setting stage could be improved by combining thermal and hyperspectral images to gain a better understanding of the urban fabric. At the same time, cross-linking different shareable and exploitable datasets with socioeconomic indicators could improve policy implementation. 

Next steps

Moving forward in building the urban green deal data space, pilot cities’ efforts and actions will need to focus on:

• exploring and getting organised around high-value datasets;

• devising city data governance to move from urban climate data experiments to structural data-driven decision-making;

• helping to overcome legal and organisational barriers to involve different stakeholders in data sharing practices 

• disseminating awareness about the advantages of a data space approach vis-à-vis current actions.  

To learn more about the results of status quo assessment on data and policy context in each pilot city, see the dedicated items on Graz, Leuven Ferrara and Zaragoza.