☀️ Summer School: Economic development
As August begins, the Eurocities Summer School continues. While many take a well-earned summer break, it's the perfect time to explore useful resources from across our network. Throughout July and August, we're sharing tools, guides and inspiring case studies from our thematic areas.
This week, we're sharing economic development resources specifically tailored for cities.
#1 Why local authorities struggle with innovative financing
The PROSPECT+ project has come to an end recently, and one of its latest publications sheds light on a pressing issue: why local authorities still struggle to adopt innovative financing models for the energy transition. The report draws on surveys and policy dialogues with cities to identify the legal, institutional and capacity barriers that stand in the way. While many municipalities are eager to move beyond subsidies, they often lack the tools, guidance and political frameworks to do so. The publication calls for more coherent national and EU-level support to help cities unlock their full potential.
Find it here → Why local authorities struggle with innovative financing
#2 Methods of innovative financing
Continuing with PROSPECT+, we take a closer look at the many forms of innovative financing available to cities, from crowdfunding and citizen cooperatives to green bonds, soft loans, and energy performance contracts. Each method offers different advantages, levels of risk and ideal use cases, helping cities reduce reliance on subsidies while unlocking new investment opportunities. To support local authorities in navigating these options, PROSPECT+ has developed a series of clear cheat sheets that summarise how each model works, with practical examples from across Europe. Two webinars are also available for those who want to explore the topic further, here and here.
Find it here → Innovative finance methods
#3 The silent revolution of zero-emission construction machinery
As part of the Big Buyers Working Together (BBWT) initiative, the Community of Practice on Zero-Emission Construction Sites (CoP ZECS) held a dedicated webinar in May to explore the latest developments in zero-emission construction. The session featured the launch of an updated public database of zero-emission machinery, developed with Bellona Europa, and insights from the City of Oslo, a frontrunner in clean construction. The webinar also introduced the report From Oslo to the EU: The journey towards clean construction, which captures Oslo’s experience and offers recommendations for public buyers across Europe.
Watch the webinar → Webinar: The Silent Revolution of Zero-Emission Construction Sites
Read the report → From Oslo to the EU: The journey towards clean construction
#4 Sustainability in information and communication technology (ICT) - Community roadmap
Also on Big Buyers Working Together (BBWT), the Community of Practice on Sustainability in ICT has developed a roadmap to help public authorities make their digital strategies more sustainable. The document outlines a shared vision and concrete actions to support cities in adopting greener ICT procurement practices turning digital tools into drivers of environmental progress. For local administrations aiming to align with EU green and digital goals, this roadmap offers clear guidance and practical support.
Find it here → CoP Sustainability in Digital - Roadmap.pdf
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