The primary objective of this thesis is to analyse urban transformations by examining the involvement of non-governmental initiatives across six case studies: Brussels (Belgium), Copenhagen (Denmark), Frankfurt (Germany), Luxembourg (Luxembourg), Madrid (Spain), and Vienna (Austria). To achieve this, the first step is to assess why mobility campaigns have been implemented and evaluate their success. Building on this, the second step focuses on determining the role of stakeholders, with an emphasis on non-governmental initiatives, in ensuring the success of these policies. This analysis will contribute to a broader theoretical understanding of the governance of urban transformations. Finally, the third step is to translate these insights into practical recommendations for the future design of urban transformation processes, ensuring that best practices can inform future policy and planning.
VUB is a premier university dedicated to providing solutions to tomorrow’s challenges through high-quality research and personalized education. The Mobilise Mobility and Logistics Research Group, which is part of the House of Sustainable Transitions, carries out research on the socio-economic aspects of urban mobility & sustainable logistics with 35 researchers with an interdisciplinary profile. We have significant experience in working with urban stakeholders on topics such as policy impact analysis, foresight, participatory planning methods, equity assessment and inclusive transport.
Essential: Strong oral and written communication skills in English. Desirable: Good knowledge of Dutch and/or French
Requirements to be admitted in the doctoral programme can be consulted here.
Dr. Imre Keserü is an associate professor of urban mobility and deputy director at the Mobilise Mobility and Logistics Research Group at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), part of the House of Sustainable Transitions. His research focuses on developing tools and methods to support participatory planning, the evaluation of urban mobility interventions, transport foresight and inclusive and equitable transport. He has been leading several collaborative projects on mobility funded by Horizon Europe and the Driving Urban Transitions Partnership.
Prof Dr. Cathy Macharis is a full professor and director of the Mobilise Research Group. She has published more than 100 articles in scientific journals and 11 books. She teaches several courses on the intersection of sustainability, mobility and decision making and developed the MAMCA methodology to give a voice to all stakeholders in sustainability issues in order to achieve better decision making. She is president of the Brussels Mobility Commission since 2007, providing advice to the Minister of Mobility. She is the vicechairwoman of Nectar (Network on European Communications and Transport Activities Research).
.png){kind=small}
