Searching for complexity. Application of the set-theory to the analysis of urban mobility readiness index

Abstract

Numerous initiatives have been developed to monitor the sustainability performance of cities, with rankings and indicators emerging as crucial tools for understanding complex urban phenomena. However, these indices require deeper analytical methods to fully interpret their results. This study highlights the application of Set-Theory methods, specifically Qualitative Comparative Analysis with process-tracing in analyzing the Urban Mobility Readiness Index (UMR) across 60 cities for 2021 and 2022. Our primary achievement is the demonstration of Set-Theory´s ability to unravel the causal complexity in urban dynamics. We find that urban mobility readiness and its negation are not determined by singular conditions but by a combination of conditions. Necessary conditions such as infrastructure and socioeconomic factors have been identified, which are critical for achieving a higher level of readiness in the UMR, and its negation. Cities lacking these conditions are less likely to reach the desired level for sustainable development. Additionally, we reveal that certain conditions serve beyond scope definitions, actively triggering causal mechanisms for both readiness and its negation. This insight underscores the multifaceted nature of urban sustainability, guiding cities towards effective strategies for sustainable development. Our study thus contributes a nuanced understanding of urban mobility, essential for policymakers and urban planners.