Cities &
Retail

What trends will define the cities of the future? From the affordability crisis to flying cars, climate-positive concrete, and cities challenging nation-states, this article dives into five key signals reshaping urban life across social, technological, economic, environmental, and political dimensions.

How can energy leaders prepare for long-term success in a shifting landscape? A leadership retreat equipped a new leadership team at an energy company with tools to think proactively and strategically about futures. By exploring scenario implications, crafting a futures-tested roadmap, and looking the role of cities as key energy hubs, participants got insights to better define their company’s future.

How can cities embrace a circular future? In partnership with a sustainability consultancy, we conducted a workshop series to envision and strategize for circular cities. Participants crafted a bold vision for interconnected, sustainable urban systems, identified critical milestones through backcasting, and outlined actionable steps using the SMART framework. The process culminated in a thought leadership white paper and the creation of a Living Organisms Framework.

As national governments falter in addressing global challenges, cities are stepping up. With networks like C40 Cities and 100 Resilient Cities driving collaboration, urban leaders are proving they can act where nations stall. But can cities truly lead on the global stage? This article explores the growing influence of cities, their role in climate action and governance, and the obstacles they face—from corporate influence to multilevel governance. While mayors may not rule the world yet, the future of global change might just depend on cities.

What could urban living look like in 2032? In this keynote for SAP, we explored the future of smart cities, focusing on how cutting-edge technologies and data-driven solutions can transform urban environments into intelligent, efficient, and liveable spaces. Advancements in urban infrastructure, mobility, energy management, and governance, emphasize the potential for innovation to improve the quality of city life. As the starting point for a company-wide hackathon, the session inspired participants to develop new solutions for smarter, more connected cities.

An inspiring journey through Copenhagen’s past, present, and futures, this dynamic tour brought top Spanish designers, branding professionals, and innovators together to explore urban development, sustainability, and innovation. Highlights included a boat tour of the city’s transformative landmarks, exclusive company visits, and interactive workshops in futures thinking and urban design. The safari fostered cross-disciplinary collaboration, sparked creative ideas, and provided strategic insights into branding, design, and sustainability.

We’ve collaborated with research agencies and consultancies to provide expert foresight and actionable insights on pressing topics, including:

Regenerative Cities: Exploring how cities can go beyond sustainability to actively enhance environmental and social well-being.
Deposit & Return Systems: Advising on future trends and innovations to optimize circular economy practices.
Environmental Agencies & AI: Examining the role of artificial intelligence in advancing environmental monitoring and policy-making.
Smart Cities: Offering insights into the integration of technology and data-driven solutions for smarter, more liveable urban environments.