Max Grünig, coordinator of the FP7 POCACITO project, recently publishes an article in conjunction with Urban Europe that focused on the finding that tailoring different action plans based on the specific environmental needs within urban cities can produce more successful, attractive and economically viable areas.

The article speaks about the growing importance of bottom-up approaches versus the typical top-down policy approach which does not focus on the differentiated needs among Member States. Every city is unique in culture, background and policies but it is within these differences that great potential for fostering local knowledge and will to catalyze positive change for the future can be found. JPI- Urban Europe encourages the cooperation of Member States for research and innovation. It is one of many effective resources for Member States to coordinate research on urban sustainable development. This joint program initiative welcomes all member states to join the current 14 members to work together to tackle urban challenges in the face of climate change.