ABSTRACT
The chapter examines the evolution of smart city initiatives and collaboration in Stavanger, Norway. It highlights the city’s journey from its reliance on the oil industry to embracing smart city strategies as a means of economic diversification and innovation. The chapter discusses the impact of the EU’s Smart Cities Lighthouse program and the establishment of the Research Network for Smart Sustainable Cities at the University of Stavanger. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary intersectoral collaboration and the challenges of integrating diverse research fields and sectors. The chapter also reflects on the role of smart city initiatives in fostering regional development, public–private partnerships, and student engagement. Despite the progress made in Stavanger, the chapter also highlights the ongoing challenges of achieving meaningful civil society involvement and the need for a more inclusive approach to smart city planning. The chapter concludes by advocating for continued efforts to bridge disciplinary and sectoral divides to address complex urban challenges effectively if we are to achieve sustainable cities.
