A New Generation of Urban Policies – Exploring Approaches to Support Policy Coherence and Integration

Mr Teisman outlined existing policy cycles’ siloed fragmentation, and its need to focus on outcome and impacts. Multi-level value chains across government and policy must be created, to underpin joint actions for long-term transitions. Promoting multi-level governance, rewarding joint actions, and solving contemporary issues with a future focus are key.

Mr Mourato and Mr Teisman reflected that reaching truly integrated policy-making is a challenging, ongoing process. Ambitious strategy and objectives are there, but there must be more focus on capacitating the human resources behind them. Traditional organisations must be supported to focus on practical, place-based implementation over policy-making input.

Ms Vilares presented the Portuguese InC2 as an initiative empowering municipalities and communities to transition to a circular economy. InC2 aims to create multi-level synergies in policy and ensure effective local uptake, addressing one of the primary challenges experienced in Portugal’s national urban agenda.