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Transformative Potential of Vertical Farming—An Urban Planning Investigation Using Multi-Level Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Jost Buscher

    (Research Group Urban and Regional Planning, Department of Spatial Planning, TU Dortmund University, 44227 Dortmund, Germany)

  • Julija Bakunowitsch

    (Research Group Urban and Regional Planning, Department of Spatial Planning, TU Dortmund University, 44227 Dortmund, Germany)

  • Kathrin Specht

    (ILS—Research Institute for Regional and Urban Development, 44227 Dortmund, Germany)

Abstract

Due to different global trends, such as climate change and urbanization, challenges to the food supply in cities have become more permanent. As a new form of efficient and climate-resilient food production, vertical farming addresses these challenges but is not yet fully embedded in the context of urban planning. Thus, from the perspective of urban planning, this investigation aims to assess the potential of vertical farming in the context of large-scale transformation. Therefore, this paper uses the multi-level perspective. In this context, vertical farming is a so-called niche innovation at a lower level that forces establishment in the superordinate regime—here, urban planning. By using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOTs) methodology, this paper presents the advantages and disadvantages of vertical farming, as well as its implications for urban planning. A final comparison of these aspects leads to six conditions paired with recommendations, which are considered necessary for the successful stabilization of this niche innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Jost Buscher & Julija Bakunowitsch & Kathrin Specht, 2023. "Transformative Potential of Vertical Farming—An Urban Planning Investigation Using Multi-Level Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-19, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:22:p:15861-:d:1278435
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kathrin Specht & Felix Zoll & Henrike Schümann & Julia Bela & Julia Kachel & Marcel Robischon, 2019. "How Will We Eat and Produce in the Cities of the Future? From Edible Insects to Vertical Farming—A Study on the Perception and Acceptability of New Approaches," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(16), pages 1-22, August.
    2. Kathrin Specht & Rosemarie Siebert & Ina Hartmann & Ulf Freisinger & Magdalena Sawicka & Armin Werner & Susanne Thomaier & Dietrich Henckel & Heike Walk & Axel Dierich, 2014. "Urban agriculture of the future: an overview of sustainability aspects of food production in and on buildings," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 31(1), pages 33-51, March.
    3. Specht, Kathrin & Sanyé-Mengual, Esther, 2017. "Risks in urban rooftop agriculture: Assessing stakeholders’ perceptions to ensure efficient policymaking," Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 13-21.
    4. Kameshwari Pothukuchi & Jerome Kaufman, 1999. "Placing the food system on the urban agenda: The role of municipal institutions in food systems planning," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 16(2), pages 213-224, June.
    5. O'Sullivan, C.A. & Bonnett, G.D. & McIntyre, C.L. & Hochman, Z. & Wasson, A.P., 2019. "Strategies to improve the productivity, product diversity and profitability of urban agriculture," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 174(C), pages 133-144.
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