Urban systems have seen accelerated growth in the last century, with unprecedented impacts on natural ecosystems. Cities have become the epicentre of economic development and job creation, but the rapid increase of people and economic activity has led to a significant disequilibrium among cities, towns, and villages. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted this situation, and the need for resilient territorial planning to ensure competitiveness and equal opportunities for sustainable livelihoods in harmony with the environment and social boundaries.
EMEA’s new research initiative aims to focus on territorial resilience amidst and post COVID-19, and explore the dimensions of an integrated approach that considers the environmental, economic, and social dynamics of complex, interconnected settlements. The results of this research will also contribute to the work under the TRIS Economic Model developed by EMEA.