Network Governance and Energy Transitions in European Cities

Dr Timea Nochta is a Research Associate at the Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom. She completed her doctoral studies at the Institute of Local Government Studies, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Prof. Chris Skelcher Professor EmeritusInstitute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV), University of Birmingham, UK"The climate emergency mandates that cities transition to low carbon. Dr Nochta shows how the complexity of urban networks can be better understood and aid the practice of transition management. Her novel and accessible interdisciplinary approach is essential reading for those working in and studying energy policy, urban governance and change management."Dr Jonathan Radcliffe Reader in Energy Systems and PolicySchool of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, UK"This book provides valuable insights into the structures and processes involved in urban governance, and the response of local authorities to the climate emergency. Based on in-depth case-studies, it is essential reading to appreciate the role that cities can play in the transition to decarbonised societies."Dr Dai Morgan Deputy Course Director, MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable DevelopmentDepartment of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK"This volume uses network and governance perspectives to provide a rich account of myriad contextual factors affecting low carbon transitions. The rich case studies provide a vivid account of the terrain, and highlight key issues, making a valuable contribution for anyone wishing to better study, understand, or influence urban transitions."Dr Louise Reardon Lecturer in Governance and Public PolicyInstitute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV), University of Birmingham, UK"This book is a must read for anyone interested in how we can transition towards a low carbon society. Its emphasis on the importance of governance networks, and the influence of the local contexts in which they sit, is unique and an essential contribution to the field."Mr Peter Braithwaite Director of Engineering SustainabilityBirmingham Centre for Resilience Research and Education, University of Birmingham, UK"This book is an important step in furthering our understanding of network forms of governance in cities. The topic is approached in a clear, systematic way building on existing research, but challenging and testing theories from a basis of local interpretation and socio-economic development. Planners, engineers and policy makers will find new evidence and a nascent approach to successful low-carbon transitions."

• IntroductionChapter 1. Network Governance in Urban Sustainability TransitionsChapter 2. Analysing Energy Transition Networks in Birmingham, Frankfurt and BudapestChapter 3. Case Study I. Energy Transitions in BirminghamChapter 4. Case Study II. Energy Transitions in FrankfurtChapter 5. Case Study III. Energy Transitions in BudapestChapter 6. Contextualising Energy Transition NetworksAppendix I. Details of primary data collection and analysisAppendix II. Network analysis – Actor centrality scores (core groups)