Introduction

Abstract

Cities are directly affected by most of nowadays global challenges and, at the same time, represent the places where innovation processes aiming at sustainability and equality find fertile ground to thrive. The overwhelming challenges embedded in city life for individuals, families, civil societies and governments can, and must, be seen as opportunities for innovation, diffused equity, more diligent foresight and, above all, pragmatism. In fact, it is not only due to the urbanization trends that we turn to cities when we look for solutions to the wicked problems that the world faces. Free from national and global politics, cities are, more and more, places where creative problem-solving flourishes (sometimes out of necessity, sometimes by purposeful construct).