The corporate, academia and civil anchors

At the core of the intention to develop and preserve an ecosystem of environmental innovation is the ability to identify the important players in the fabric and create effective ways to create connections between them. Of all the existing players, we chose to focus on four: corporations, research bodies, civil society and you - the local authority.

In this chapter, we will focus on the first three groups.

The corporate anchor

Corporations play a vital role in promoting environmental innovation in cities, being a key engine of growth, creativity and change. Corporations often have the financial resources, technological expertise, and global reach needed to develop and implement innovative solutions that address ecological challenges that cities face. By collaborating with local authorities, investing in research and development, and aligning their business practices with environmental goals, corporations can significantly accelerate the adoption of green technologies and advanced sustainable practices. Their involvement not only strengthens the local economy but also fosters a culture of innovation and responsibility, making them vital players in the city's push towards a sustainable future.

In order to establish an ecosystem of environmental innovation, our recommendation is to focus on a "corporate anchor" - a concept that refers to large and established companies that are a generative force for environmental innovation and play a decisive role in the development of the field in the industry and in the region in which they operate. These companies often have the resources, influence and infrastructure to catalyze change and inspire smaller businesses and startups to follow suit.

The academia anchor

Academic institutions play a vital role in promoting environmental innovation in cities, being a focus for research and development. As centers of knowledge, they foster creativity and critical thinking, and provide the intellectual and technical basis for understanding complex environmental challenges. By collaborating with public authorities, industries and communities, academic institutions can translate theoretical insights into practical solutions that drive sustainable development.

Academic institutions and research centers are key players engaged in research applications for the development of the urban ecosystem on various topics, from the development of new technologies to reduce emissions to the planning of strategies for urban planning and waste management. Furthermore, by cultivating the next generation of environmental leaders, academics and entrepreneurs, research anchor institutions generate a continuous flow of new knowledge and ideas – a generative force for creating real change at the local, national and global levels.

By cultivating close cooperation between the local authority and the academia anchor, in a strategic combination of funding, policy-making, education, public involvement and constant evaluation, it is possible to create a thriving ecosystem of innovation with developed research capabilities. Such a partnership not only promotes scientific understanding but also drives practical solutions, and has the power to strengthen the city's abilities to anticipate the future and respond to existing environmental challenges.

The civil anchor 

The community has a central role in promoting environmental innovation within the local authority, being the framework that manifests the municipal policy, the innovation moves and the details that these affect. Unlike other stakeholders, the community lives and experiences the environment every day, making its involvement essential to identifying challenges that actually occur, as well as being able to implement practical solutions. The knowledge and experience, values ​​and collective preferences of the community members contribute to the formulation of a more effective and socially inclusive environmental policy.

By actively participating community members in decision-making processes, encouraging bottom-up innovation and fostering a sense of shared responsibility, environmental initiatives have a greater chance of becoming established and successful. Therefore, the integration of the community in the process of environmental innovation while taking into account cultural sensitivity, economic viability and social equality, is not only desirable but essential to achieve a significant and sustainable change.

The status of civil organizations as a community anchor

The civil society organizations, which act as the anchor of the community, have a huge potential to contribute to the promotion of environmental innovation in the city. These organizations often embody the collective voice, values ​​and interests of the community, channeling grassroots insights into actionable change. Through advocacy, education, collaboration, and mobilization, civil society organizations can bridge the gap between government policy, academic research, and the daily experiences of city residents. They can encourage resident participation, foster community-led innovation, and ensure that environmental strategies are rooted in local context and needs. By activities focused on communication, coordination and empowerment, civil society organizations as community anchors strengthen the essential connection between people and policy, and accelerate significant and effective environmental innovation.