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Breaking Silos: A Systemic Portfolio Approach and Digital Tool for Collaborative Urban Decarbonisation

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  • Manuel Alméstar

    (Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
    Innovation and Technology for Development Centre—itdUPM, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Sara Romero-Muñoz

    (Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Montes, Forestal y del Medio Natural, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Nieves Mestre

    (Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

Urban decarbonisation requires governance models that overcome the fragmentation and rigidity of traditional urban planning. This article presents a systemic and digital framework for managing urban decarbonisation portfolios aligned with the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities. Grounded in systems thinking and portfolio theory, this study develops an analytical taxonomy and an interactive digital tool to support strategic coordination, multistakeholder collaboration, and adaptive decision-making. The framework is empirically validated through the case of Madrid’s Climate City Contract, demonstrating its functionality and transferability. Using a mixed-method approach—combining co-creation workshops, interviews, document analysis, and iterative prototyping—this research maps interdependencies among projects, actors, and levers of change. The digital tool enables real-time visualisation of collaboration patterns, gaps, and synergies, enhancing strategic foresight and coordination capacity. Findings reveal that 75% of initiatives in Madrid’s CCC address climate adaptation, 80.36% are linked to knowledge generation, and key anchor projects serve as integrative hubs within the portfolio. This study concludes that the portfolio approach strengthens systemic innovation and reflexive governance by integrating digital infrastructures with collaborative planning processes. While challenges persist—including data integration, institutional capacity, and political dynamics—this research offers a replicable methodology for embedding mission-oriented strategies into urban governance. The digital portfolio emerges as a complementary governance tool that enhances transparency, organisational learning, and alignment across governance levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Manuel Alméstar & Sara Romero-Muñoz & Nieves Mestre, 2025. "Breaking Silos: A Systemic Portfolio Approach and Digital Tool for Collaborative Urban Decarbonisation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-25, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:11:p:5145-:d:1671284
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. JoAnn Carmin & David Dodman & Eric Chu, 2013. "Urban Climate Adaptation and Leadership: From Conceptual Understanding to Practical Action," OECD Regional Development Working Papers 2013/26, OECD Publishing.
    2. Gabriele Bammer & Michael O’Rourke & Deborah O’Connell & Linda Neuhauser & Gerald Midgley & Julie Thompson Klein & Nicola J. Grigg & Howard Gadlin & Ian R. Elsum & Marcel Bursztyn & Elizabeth A. Fulto, 2020. "Expertise in research integration and implementation for tackling complex problems: when is it needed, where can it be found and how can it be strengthened?," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 6(1), pages 1-16, December.
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    4. Manuel Alméstar & Sara Romero-Muñoz & Nieves Mestre & Uriel Fogué & Eva Gil & Amanda Masha, 2023. "(Un)Likely Connections between (Un)Likely Actors in the Art/NBS Co-Creation Process: Application of KREBS Cycle of Creativity to the Cyborg Garden Project," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-25, May.
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