ºÚÁÏÉç

The city is humanity’s greatest invention and yet it remains a work in progress. This course explores economic, environmental and social sustainability in a 21st century urban environment and with particular reference to China. We will address issues from mobility and climate to housing and inequality in both theory and practice. The course will draw on research from the McKinsey Global Institute, cases from practical experience, and insights of leading urban thinkers.

Critical questions include:

• Defining urbanization – what are the dimensions of the global urbanization trend and its key drivers? How will these play out in different scenarios? What are the specific characteristics of China’s urbanization? What challenges are most relevant to Chinese cities today?
• Solving urban problems – what are the critical challenges facing city leaders today? How can cities manage the existential threat of climate change? What is the future of urban mobility? What are the practical solutions to scale affordable housing globally?
• Managing the city to deliver the solutions – what constitutes a solution and how do urban leaders get there? What do cities need to be good at to finance themselves? What is the best practice in city organizational design and performance management?