The Wicked Future of Cities: Localizing Sustainable Development in the Case of the Metropolitan City of Florence

Abstract

The UN 2030 Agenda defines sustainable development (SD) in a multidimensional approach that encompasses economic, social, and environmental aspects. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as conceptual ideals, specific targets, and standards that determine global and local priorities. SD falls into the realm of wicked problems due to its multilayered definitions, untamable nature, and possible solutions at an operational level. Addressing these complex problems and challenges requires the localization of the SDGs and the creation of a new governance model tailored to sustainability. These efforts aim to improve policy coherence for SD. This contribution focuses on the importance of localizing the SDGs, which aims to streamline the 2030 Agenda and tailor the SDGs to local needs. Therefore, the importance of multi-stakeholder participation in the formulation of local definitions of the SDGs, policymaking strategies, and consequently the measurement of the SDGs is emphasized. This chapter provides insights into the specific tools and strategies used by the Metropolitan Cities (MCs) in the implementation of coherent SDG policies, with Florence serving as a case study. Despite the challenges faced by MCs, including ambiguous leadership, conflicting objectives between municipalities, and challenges in coherent policy design, this institutional level shows interesting elements, such as functions of long-term planning and coordination, inclusive tools of participation, and the development of new capacities (political and administrative) that could be useful for strengthening governance for SD.

Citation

Amato, E., Bernaschi, D. and Fraudatario, M.C. (2024), "The Wicked Future of Cities: Localizing Sustainable Development in the Case of the Metropolitan City of Florence", Lippi, A. and Tsekos, T.N. (Ed.) Policy Capacity, Design and the Sustainable Development Goals, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 219-239. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80455-686-320241019