SPARTACUS: the policy testing process (1998)

The Policy Testing Process

• Sustainability policies to be used in the tests are searched from local authorities, literature and other research projects.
• The tests are carried out in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area in Finland, Naples in Italy, and Bilbao in Spain's Basque Country using state of the art models that the partners have previously implemented.
• The effects of the policies on environmental and social sustainability indicators are reviewed and the economic efficiency of them is analysed using a decision support tool developed in the project.
• If there are harmful side effects the policies are adjusted and tested again.
• If there are positive results in some cities but negative in others, the reasons for this are analysed.
• Eventually, general recommendations for urban sustainability strategies for European Cities are presented.