“Many local authorities are currently facing very specific challenges. To develop effective and sustainable solutions, closer dialogue between local government practitioners and academia could be the answer. I look forward to contributing my experience to the work of the advisory board and, at the same time, learning from the experiences of towns and local authorities,” says Prof. Guido Spars.

In his research, Guido Spars combines economic issues relating to planning and construction with current challenges in urban and neighbourhood development. In particular, he focuses on the economic and institutional frameworks of urban development and housing construction, and advises local authorities on issues relating to urban and property economics.

These issues are becoming increasingly important, particularly at local authority level. Towns and local authorities face the urgent task of providing additional, affordable housing, whilst having to cope with rising construction costs and staff shortages, amongst other challenges. At the same time, solutions must be found at local level to address climate change mitigation and adaptation, whilst shaping the transition from a linear, resource-intensive economy towards a circular one.

Knowledge transfer between local practice and academia

The NRW Urban Development Network brings together around 170 local authorities of varying sizes from across North Rhine-Westphalia. The network’s aim is to promote the exchange of experiences between towns, to disseminate knowledge on current issues in urban development, and to support local authorities in developing solutions to shared challenges. Under the network’s umbrella, five working groups with different specialist focuses are active.