As the UR-DATA project reaches its conclusion, one of its most significant and lasting contributions comes in the form of two newly published open access books by Springer, bringing together years of collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and joint scientific work across Europe.
Regional and Urban Challenges and Opportunities for Data-Policy Interactions
The Western Balkans and Eastern European Countries
Editors: Jelena J. Stanković, Alessandro Luè, Claudia van der Laag
📚 Series: The Urban Book Series | Publisher: Springer
🔗 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-08592-4
The first volume, Regional and Urban Challenges and Opportunities for Data-Policy Interactions: The Western Balkans and Eastern European Countries, edited by Jelena J. Stanković, Alessandro Luè, and Claudia van der Laag, offers a comprehensive and timely exploration of urban and regional development across the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe. At its core, the book addresses a crucial question: how can data better inform policy in regions facing complex demographic, institutional, and economic transitions?
Through contributions spanning multiple countries and disciplines, the volume sheds light on key issues such as urbanization patterns, governance challenges, and the pathways toward smart and sustainable growth. It stands out as one of the first works to systematically connect data-driven analysis with policy relevance in this regional context, offering valuable insights for both researchers and decision-makers working toward stronger cohesion within the European space.
Advancing Urban and Local Governance in Western and Transition Europe
Equity, Sustainability, and Smart Practices
Editors: Marija Džunić, John Östh, Simona Muratori
📚 Series: Local and Urban Governance | Publisher: Springer
🔗 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-04265-1
Complementing this perspective, the second volume, Advancing Urban and Local Governance in Western and Transition Europe: Equity, Sustainability, and Smart Practices, edited by Marija Džunić, John Östh, and Simona Muratori, places local governance at the center of the discussion on urban transformation. The book explores how cities can become more equitable, resilient, and sustainable by strengthening the role of local institutions and embracing data-informed decision-making.
Across a diverse set of case studies and analytical contributions, the volume examines themes such as smart city initiatives, sustainable mobility, regional inequality, and social inclusion. What emerges is a nuanced understanding of how local governments, when equipped with the right tools, data, and partnerships, can actively shape better urban futures, even within challenging institutional environments.
📖 Both books are available for free download via Springer.
Together, these two books reflect the essence of the UR-DATA project: bridging science and policy, connecting institutions across Europe, and advancing a shared understanding of urban and regional development grounded in data and collaboration. Importantly, both volumes are published in open access format, ensuring that their findings are freely available to a global audience.
As UR-DATA concludes, these publications stand as a lasting legacy of the project’s work. They not only capture the knowledge generated over the past years but also provide a foundation for future research, policy innovation, and continued collaboration, demonstrating that the impact of UR-DATA will extend well beyond its formal duration.