Exploring urban transformation to inform the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grainger-Brown, Jarrod; Malekpour, Shirin; Raven, Rob; Taylor, Elizabeth
• Is Part Of: Cities. Volume 131(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Sustainable Development Goals -- SDGs -- Urban transformation -- Urban transitions -- Sustainable urban transformation -- Sustainable Urban Development; SDGs Sustainable Development Goals -- UT Urban Transformation -- IS Interpretive synthesis; City planning -- Periodicals; Urban policy -- Periodicals; 711.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2022.103928
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-2751

Abstract

Abstract: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for rapid transformation towards a more sustainable society, particularly for cities and urban areas. There is a wide spectrum of research which could inform the initiation and management of this urban transformation, but these contributions are found in disparate disciplines and academic fields. This study aims to synthesise the different elements of the 'Urban Transformation' (UT) literature into a format which can inform the implementation of the SDGs. Using a systematic qualitative review methodology, the study identified 5150 potentially relevant papers. An extensive screening process was conducted to form a review corpus of 323 studies, upon which an interpretative, iterative content analysis was applied. The analysis resulted in 15 'factors of urban transformation' identified across the literature. These factors are a mix of mechanisms and enablers which are all identified in the literature as critical for urban transformation to occur or continue. By providing a link between the rich urban transformation literature and SDG implementation, the results of this review could be used to explore the transformative potential of current approaches to SDG implementation, or as an initial tool to design new and more transformative pathways to achieve the SDGs in cities. Highlights: 15 common factors for urban transformation identified across the literature. Factors found to occur in a variety of patterns and pathways. Results could inform policy/planning for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).