The EU Cities Mission aims to make cities in Europe and beyond climate neutral by 2030, but the path to this goal is complex. Urban transitions require more than just technological solutions – they demand a systemic approach that integrates technology, governance and social innovation. This is where research comes in. Morgan Cole Ricard, Emma Puerari (Polimi) and Ylva Reisnert (ERRIN) tell us more about how a recent NetZeroCities event underlined the importance of research institutions to climate action in cities. 

Cities are at the forefront of tackling the climate crisis, and as we work towards achieving climate neutrality, research is playing a pivotal role.  

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. As researchers take a systemic approach to the EU Cities Mission, new and complex challenges arise not only for the cities’ implementation but also for scientists working on theoretical contributions and practical solutions tailored to real urban contexts. They face barriers like:  

  • Short-term funding cycles,   
  • Complex governance structures
  • Perceived gaps between high-level EU Cities Mission priorities and the practical needs of cities.   

As researchers navigate these challenges, the true barrier seems to be developing research that effectively supports cities in implementing their climate neutrality pathways.

A recent event in Brussels brought together experts and policy makers from the European Commission, European Committee of the Regions, university networks, cities’ representatives, and researchers to explore how the Mission can further impact urban landscapes. The focus? How transdisciplinary research and close collaboration between cities’ stakeholders and research institutions are key to driving the systemic changes needed for climate action. 

Emerging research themes: Driving systemic urban change 

The event focused on several critical research themes that will drive systemic urban transformations. These included: 

  • Governance and Policy Innovation: Strengthening multi-level governance and creating the right regulatory frameworks is crucial for supporting sustainable urban transitions. Research can guide these efforts, helping cities navigate the complexities of policy and partnership building. 
  • Digital and Technological Innovation: The digital tools we use in cities are more than just gadgets – they’re enablers of climate solutions. Researchers are exploring how digital technologies can improve city governance, engage stakeholders, and support the transition to climate neutrality. 
  • Monitoring and Assessment: Mission Cities need robust frameworks for monitoring their climate actions. Research is developing new tools to help cities track progress and evaluate the impact of their efforts, ensuring that initiatives are scalable and effective. 
  • Scaling and Replication: One of the biggest challenges is scaling successful projects across different urban contexts. Research is focused on developing frameworks that will allow cities to replicate solutions, ensuring that successful innovations can be adapted and rolled out elsewhere. 

Collaboration is key: Research with cities, not just for them 

A key takeaway from the event was the importance of co-designing solutions with cities. Research should not be a detached process; it must be grounded in the actual needs of cities. Cities need to be part of the conversation from the very beginning to ensure that the technologies being developed align with their priorities. The message was clear: we need research with cities, not just for them. 

This is where the collaborative nature of NetZeroCities shines. The community has been working to build a unified research agenda, one that involves cities and researchers together to identify current research gaps and co-create solutions that can be scaled across Europe. Cities are complex ecosystems, and research must account for everything from governance and funding to social innovation and technology integration. 

Building capacity for long-term success 

But research alone isn’t enough – we need to build the capacity of cities to implement these findings. That means creating opportunities for learning and knowledge sharing. The EU Cities Mission is not just about delivering solutions; it’s about building long-term capacity in cities, enabling them to learn, adapt and evolve as they pursue climate neutrality. 

Through peer-to-peer learning programmes, universities and research institutions can help cities build the skills they need to implement systemic changes. This collaborative approach fosters innovation, ensures local ownership, and strengthens the resilience of cities as they move toward their climate goals. 

Research as a bridge to a climate-neutral future 

As we move forward in the Mission, it’s clear that research and collaboration are cornerstones of urban transformation. By bringing together cities, researchers and policymakers, we can create solutions that are not only innovative but also practical, scalable, and sustainable. 

The EU Cities Mission is a call to action – one that asks all of us to work together, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and the real-world needs of cities. This collaboration will be key to ensuring that Europe’s cities are ready for the challenges and opportunities of the future. 

Find out more about the role of research within the Mission here. 

For further information contact: 

Morgan Cole Ricard, morgancole.ricard(@)polimi.it 

Emma Puerari, emma.puerari(@)polimi.it 

Sabrina Bresciani, sabrina.bresciani(@)polimi.it 

Marzia Mortati, marzia.mortati(@)polimi.it   

Ylva Reisnert, ylva.reisnert(@)errin.eu  

Francesca Rizzo, francesca.rizzo(@)polimi.it  

Pirita Lindholm, pirita.Lindholm(@)errin.eu 

Nikhil Chaudhary, nikhil.chaudhary(@)climate-kic.org