Challenges of implementing inclusive city policies in three European port cities
Abstract This study examines the practical realities of implementing inclusive city policies in three European port cities—Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Gothenburg—through a comparative case study. Drawing on actor-centered institutionalism framework, it analyzes policy implementation across three interac...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-07-01
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| Series: | npj Urban Sustainability |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s42949-025-00239-3 |
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| _version_ | 1849234686610505728 |
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| author | Run Zhao Jurian Edelenbos Martin de Jong Warda Belabas Emma Björner |
| author_facet | Run Zhao Jurian Edelenbos Martin de Jong Warda Belabas Emma Björner |
| author_sort | Run Zhao |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract This study examines the practical realities of implementing inclusive city policies in three European port cities—Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Gothenburg—through a comparative case study. Drawing on actor-centered institutionalism framework, it analyzes policy implementation across three interacting elements: content, actors, and context. We conducted a comparison of 12 inclusive initiatives based on 24 policy documents, 18 municipal website news, and 29 semi-structured interviews. Findings show that, despite shared goals of reducing inequality and exclusion, differences in governance structures influence policy implementation. The analysis further identifies six interdependent key factors for policy success: high-quality policy design, integrated approach, cross-sector and interdepartmental collaboration, citizen and community engagement, resource allocation, and political will and commitment. This study advances actor-centered institutionalism framework by incorporating policy content as a dynamic element and emphasizing institutional context. This enriches the theoretical framework for policy implementation and provides policymakers with analytical tools to promote inclusive urban governance. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-6377bbc833db4c30b9d8df83a4465c7f |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2661-8001 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | npj Urban Sustainability |
| spelling | doaj-art-6377bbc833db4c30b9d8df83a4465c7f2025-08-20T04:03:03ZengNature Portfolionpj Urban Sustainability2661-80012025-07-015111410.1038/s42949-025-00239-3Challenges of implementing inclusive city policies in three European port citiesRun Zhao0Jurian Edelenbos1Martin de Jong2Warda Belabas3Emma Björner4Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University RotterdamErasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University RotterdamRotterdam School of Management & Erasmus School of Law, Erasmus University RotterdamErasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University RotterdamSchool of Business, Economics, and Law, University of GothenburgAbstract This study examines the practical realities of implementing inclusive city policies in three European port cities—Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Gothenburg—through a comparative case study. Drawing on actor-centered institutionalism framework, it analyzes policy implementation across three interacting elements: content, actors, and context. We conducted a comparison of 12 inclusive initiatives based on 24 policy documents, 18 municipal website news, and 29 semi-structured interviews. Findings show that, despite shared goals of reducing inequality and exclusion, differences in governance structures influence policy implementation. The analysis further identifies six interdependent key factors for policy success: high-quality policy design, integrated approach, cross-sector and interdepartmental collaboration, citizen and community engagement, resource allocation, and political will and commitment. This study advances actor-centered institutionalism framework by incorporating policy content as a dynamic element and emphasizing institutional context. This enriches the theoretical framework for policy implementation and provides policymakers with analytical tools to promote inclusive urban governance.https://doi.org/10.1038/s42949-025-00239-3 |
| spellingShingle | Run Zhao Jurian Edelenbos Martin de Jong Warda Belabas Emma Björner Challenges of implementing inclusive city policies in three European port cities npj Urban Sustainability |
| title | Challenges of implementing inclusive city policies in three European port cities |
| title_full | Challenges of implementing inclusive city policies in three European port cities |
| title_fullStr | Challenges of implementing inclusive city policies in three European port cities |
| title_full_unstemmed | Challenges of implementing inclusive city policies in three European port cities |
| title_short | Challenges of implementing inclusive city policies in three European port cities |
| title_sort | challenges of implementing inclusive city policies in three european port cities |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s42949-025-00239-3 |
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