The process of implementing sustainability into smart city development and its impact on social cohesion within the Øresund region

The process for bringing sustainable aspects to urban redevelopment involves coordination and refining of sustainability goals between the national goals (derived from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals) the municipality, the landowners (developers), and the architecture firms that develop the master plan.

Similar visioning leads to so-called smart urban development and such technologies are seen, in part, as a means to reach larger sustainability goals. Therefore, we ask, what is the role of sustainability within the smart city and where do these visions intersect? Furthermore, what is the process for the implementation of sustainability measures and smart technologies- from which actors does the demand originate, how is the technology framed, and what are the potential barriers? This study compares urban development projects in the Øresund region including Copenhagen in Denmark, and Malmö and Lund in Sweden.

This study analyses these aspects in visioning, planning, and implementation to determine how the push for smart technologies enhances or hinders community cohesion. We also examine collective-led initiatives to find creative, smart solutions for transitioning to a more sustainable community. In so doing, we identify key factors and transferable lessons and processes for enhancing community cohesion through smart, sustainable urban development.