The role of Horizon (2020) in achieving climate-neutral urban objectives: A study of 14 Spanish cities innovation networks

This study aims to analyse the structure and characteristics of innovation networks from Horizon (2020) projects in fourteen Spanish cities, and to understand how these networks influence a city's success in being selected for the European Mission on Climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. Utilizing social network analysis, the research uncovers patterns within these urban innovation networks, emphasizing attributes that advance climate neutrality efforts. Results indicate that cities with larger and more interconnected innovation networks, exhibiting balanced participation from diverse stakeholders, and predominantly led by the private sector and research institutions, are more likely to be successfully chosen for the Cities European Mission. This research provides a novel insight into the role of urban innovation systems in the journey towards decarbonization, accentuating the significant influence of European institutional structures in moulding these networks. By focusing on urban networks as a metric for assessing the progress towards climate neutrality, this study offers a fresh perspective that diverges from traditional regional or transnational analyses. The findings have substantial implications for policymakers and urban planners, underscoring the need for fostering robust innovation networks as a strategy to achieve climate neutrality. Additionally, the results pave the way for future research on optimizing resource allocation within urban innovation systems, ultimately contributing to the broader objectives of the European Green Deal.