The Reimagining of Urban Spaces

Over the last decades waves of deindustrialization have swept across European countries leaving potential consequences across cities, regions, and countries. Once prosperous and advancing communities have suddenly found themselves in need to search for new development models and ways to secure their social sustainability and urban functioning. This book explores the future of cities and regions in a post-industrial world. In particular, it looks at the socio-spatial implications of industrial transformation on urban change from demographic, educational, and environmental perspective; assesses potential ways move urban landscapes forward in a post-industrial society; and looks for methods of promoting environmental sustainability in a post-industrial landscape. Featuring insights and findings from research and experiences of The European University of Cities in Post-Industrial Transition (UNIC) member universities, this book is not only beneficial for academic and scholars, but also provides practical guidance to policy makers and practitioners.

Stjepan Lakušić is a Full Professor of Civil Engineering and the Rector of the University of Zagreb (Croatia). His research and professional focus span the complexities of transportation systems in contemporary urban environments, with a particular emphasis on the interaction between transportation infrastructure and urban dynamics. He has extensively studied the design and sustainability of tram and railway track structures. His work also addresses urban challenges such as traffic-induced noise and vibrations, and he has actively collaborated with the City of Zagreb on projects aimed at environmental protection and the management of urban traffic systems. His research results were awarded with 12 prestigious international and national awards for innovation in the field of transport infrastructure. Professor Lakušić has authored over 25 scientific research papers in prestigious journals, contributed to over 130 international conference proceedings, and has written 35 book chapters. Additionally, he has edited more than 13 books, reflecting his broad contribution to the field of urban transportation and infrastructure.

Jurica Pavičić is Vice-Rector and Full Professor of Marketing at the University of Zagreb (Croatia). His research interests encompass a broad range of topics, including marketing, strategy, education, and community sociology, with a particular focus on how these areas intersect in the context of post-industrial urban environments. Professor Pavičić has made significant contributions to the understanding of strategic marketing and organizational change, particularly in how these processes influence and are influenced by the evolving social and economic landscapes of cities. His expertise also extends to educational management and policy, where he has explored the role of education in shaping community dynamics and urban development. Additionally, his work in community sociology provides insights into the social fabric of urban areas, examining how marketing strategies can be aligned with community needs and aspirations. Professor Pavičić’s research has been widely published in various academic journals and books, reflecting his deep engagement with the challenges and opportunities facing post-industrial cities.

Nebojša Stojčić is Vice-Rector at the University of Dubrovnik and Professor of Economics at both the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Dubrovnik, and the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb. He also serves as a Visiting Professor at Staffordshire University, UK. His research is centered on the challenges and opportunities of technological catching-up in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly within the context of post-industrial transformation. Professor Stojčić investigates how regions transitioning from traditional industrial bases can leverage innovation and reindustrialization to close the technological gap with more advanced economies. His work explores the dynamics of urban and regional development in the post-industrial era, focusing on the reinvention of firms, cities, and regions as they adapt to new economic realities. His research has been widely published in academic journals related to management, economics, and innovation, and his studies on technological advancement have been highlighted in the European Commission’s recommendations for policymakers, reflecting their relevance to the ongoing transformation of post-industrial regions in Europe.

Peter W.A. Scholten is Professor of Public Administration and Chair of Governance of Migration and Diversity at Erasmus University of Rotterdam, The Netherlands. His research is primarily focused on the governance of migration and migration-related diversity, with a particular emphasis on the complexities of multi-level governance, comparative public policy, and the interaction between science and politics in the context of migration. He serves as the Director of the International Migration Research Network (IMISCOE), Europe’s largest academic research network dedicated to migration, integration, and social cohesion. In addition, Dr. Scholten is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Comparative Migration Studies and Associate Editor of the Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis. Moreover, Dr. Scholten is the alliance coordinator of the European University of Post-Industrial Cities (UNIC), a network focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by post-industrial cities in Europe. Through this role, he actively engages with the governance issues that arise in cities undergoing significant socio-economic transformations, particularly in relation to migration and diversity.

Jean van Sinderen-Law is Associate Vice-President/Director of European Relations and Public Affairs at University College Cork, Ireland. With a distinguished career dedicated to fostering international collaboration and advancing research excellence, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the university's strategic engagement with European institutions and networks, particularly in the context of addressing the challenges faced by post-industrial societies. As a visionary in research management and administration, she co-founded the European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA), which supports professionals working to advance research that addresses the evolving needs of economies transitioning from traditional industrial bases to knowledge-driven models. Jean's commitment to enhancing research mobility and career development for researchers is further exemplified by her co-founding of the European Commission Marie Curie Fellowship Association. In her role at University College Cork, Jean van Sinderen-Law has been instrumental in driving strategic initiatives that connect the university with key European stakeholders, focusing on how research and education can contribute to the regeneration and future development of post-industrial areas.