The Integrated Strategy as Urban Policy Innovation Proposed by the EU: Do Cities Apply It?

Abstract

AbstractPolicy integration is a central aspect of urban initiatives promoted by the EU since the 1990s. However, analyses about this issue usually define and measure policy integration as the diversity of policy sectors included in local plans portfolios. Nevertheless, this chapter sustains that policy integration and diversity are different concepts. Integration means interrelation among policy sectors and actors to cope with the complexity of urban problems. Diversity means the variety of policy sectors or actors included in local strategies portfolios. Therefore, diversity does not ensure integration into local strategies. Applying the CUPPA approach, both aspects are analysed by proposing specific measurement tools. The analysis shows that diversity and integration are different concepts, that the levels of policy integration are low in local strategies, and the increase of integration in their policy agenda from 1993 to 2013. Therefore, policy-learning processes exist regarding this central aspect of local strategies to promote sustainable urban development.