Approaches to Urban Revitalization Policy in Light of the Latest Concepts of Sustainable Urban Development

Abstract

The article substantiates the essence and necessity of the use of innovative approaches to the formation and implementation of public policies of urban revitalization in the context of the latest concepts of urban development, namely: Compact City, Green City, Smart City, Creative City, Inclusive City, Cittaslow, Happy City, Learning City. The relevant proposals on the innovation policy of revitalizing cities are brought forward based on the analysis of the provisions of each of the chosen concepts. It is determined that there does not exist a single city where only one of the latest concepts of city development was implemented. In practice, we observe the multi-vectorness and combination of urban policies, which came to replace traditional sectoral views. Regarding the policy of urban revitalization, innovative approaches focus on the transformation of degraded areas into urban environments favourable for human life and activities in line with the needs and interests of their inhabitants. Revitalization should be considered both in terms of its impact on a specific degraded area and as having long-term synergetic effects on the city as a whole. It was found that the basis for innovative policies of urban revitalization is laid by human-oriented programmes of sustainable renewal of areas. The programmes are premised on taking into account a variety of concepts and combining a number of activities, specifically: organization of a compact multifunctional environment (Compact City); formation of an ecologically friendly environment for human life and activities (Green City); arrangement of urban space taking advantage of modern technologies and innovations (Smart City); creating conditions for life, activities and cooperation of creative people (Creative City); ensuring a full-fledged multidimensional inclusion of all the inhabitants (Inclusive City); realization of the internal potential of an area depending on local identity (Cittaslow); raising the level of public and individual happiness (Happy City); promotion of the culture of lifelong learning of all the inhabitants (Learning City). It is noted that innovative solutions for overcoming the crisis phenomena of degraded urban areas should be individualized depending on the local specificity and potential, the state of economic, physical, human and other capital of a particular city. In this case, the development of human capital of an area is increasingly becoming the key factor of its renewal, which presupposes organization of the inhabitants’ training, improving their qualifications and skills. It was substantiated that the revitalization policy is expedient to develop from the perspective of ensuring multiplicative impact on the development of a city as a whole. The efficiency of the policy implementation depends on the leveraging of resources (financial, intellectual, etc.) from different sources through partnerships. The main criterion of policy effectiveness is the ability of a revitalized urban area to develop sustainably, satisfying the needs of all stakeholders. Indicators of the policy success is not only the living standards and quality of life of the inhabitants, but also the condition of the natural environment, levels of tolerance, trust, empathy, social cohesion, education, happiness, etc.

Assessing the Success of the Development Strategy of the Cittaslow Movement: An Analysis of Revitalisation Programs and Experts Insights on the Model for Small Towns’ Sustainable Development

“…Cittaslow towns are those with a maximum population of up to 50,000 inhabitants. The movement emphasises the importance of quality of life, environmental sustainability, and preserving local culture and traditions [3,11]. To become a Cittaslow town, the first step is to join the Cittaslow network.…”

“…Small towns rely heavily on local businesses and supporting them is critical for the town's economic success. This can involve providing incentives for businesses to locate or expand in the town, promoting local businesses through marketing and events, and providing training and support for entrepreneurs [3]. Infrastructure improvements, such as upgrading roads, sidewalks, and public spaces, can make the town more attractive to residents and visitors.…”

“…Especially Cittaslow towns often have a unique character and charm that can be leveraged to attract visitors and businesses. This can involve preserving historic buildings and landmarks, promoting local arts and culture, and celebrating the town's history and heritage [3,5]. Overall, revitalising small towns requires a collaborative effort that involves a range of stakeholders and addresses a variety of issues [6].…”

Exploring the Contribution of Advanced Systems in Smart City Development for the Regeneration of Urban Industrial Heritage

“…However, the advent of smart city initiatives presents an opportunity to revitalize these areas by leveraging technological advancements and innovative urban planning strategies. This research aims to investigate the challenges and potential benefits associated with the revitalization of urban industrial heritage and traditional industrial blocks within the context of China's smart city development [1][2][3]. Urban management, as a fundamental aspect, involves actively assuming the responsibility for developing, managing, and coordinating resources to achieve urban development objectives.…”

Potentials and opportunities for revitalisation of post-harbour areas based on the Port of Zeran inWarsaw case study

“…City authorities see many benefits in these activities, as the post-harbour areas make a very attractive space for the development of housing and office buildings [7]. Such development helps to limit the phenomenon of suburbanisation and fits in with the concept of the compact city [8]. It is possible to attract a lot of private investment, which can contribute to significant financial returns for the city [9].…”