A three year reseach project that applies an interdisciplinary case study approach to examine relationships between current and future urban complexity and vulnerability and innovative solutions that emerge in response. We examine how both infrastructures and institutions are affected by 3 thematic pillars: (i) energy; (ii) governance and participation; and (iii) the environment. Our research is organized in 3 work packages on urban challenges, innovative solutions, and inter-urban knowledge exchange.

We conduct initial stakeholder and issue mapping to develop a conceptual framework, and undertake comparative desk and field based qualitative case studies, including interviews with key stakeholders; user-group surveys; and participant observation. We collaborate with local and international stakeholders across, cities, sectors and approaches. We derive lessons and practices from case studies and develop a methodology and toolkit to facilitate transfer of lessons between cities, and develop networks between global urban stakeholders.

The host institution is the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), with researchers from Energiråd Innlandet, the University of Oslo, Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO), SINTEF – all Noewegean, and Articulação SUL.