| Abstract |
In recent decades, former coal and iron mining regions in Europe have transitioned away from outdated economies driven by resource extraction and heavy industries toward innovative diversification policies centered on sustainable systems in building construction, energy, transport, and environmental protection. These were guided by locally developed intelligent systems in information and communication technologies (ICT). One prime example of this rigorous structural change is the Ruhr Metropolis, a region in the Ruhr Valley, Germany. Over several decades, towns and cities in this region achieved new economic realities through the retrofit of entire city blocks and urban energy grids, the expansion of extensive public transportation networks, and the creation of innovation hubs for public-private collaboration on ICT development. Polluted brownfields were released for remediation and redeveloped into exciting new urban landscapes fit for living, working, and play. Public projects focused on restored ecosystems, urban regeneration, and socio-economic growth. The chapter traces the development history of the Ruhr and its responses to the German energy transition. Seen through three case studies, it delves into the social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by local authorities, the policies, strategies, and processes adopted, and the actors and collaborative techniques involved. The cases demonstrate the continual efforts by cities within a region that has benefited from numerous development phases and policy shifts at the local, regional, and state level. Key lessons are finally outlined to help guide other towns, cities, and regions around the world facing similar structural challenges. © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
