Page 48 - A U4SSC deliverable - Guidelines on tools and mechanisms to finance Smart Sustainable Cities projects

Recommendation 9: use a multi-level approach for developing policies and transformational projects

A multi-level approach can be used to link transformation projects and development policies, and
to classify the projects within different investment programmes.

These are the three levels in a multi-level approach:

(a) transformation projects;
(b) investment programmes; and

(c) development policies.

In order to ensure economic and financial sustainability for transformation projects, they should be
grouped under investment programmes. Investment programmes should, in turn, be linked with an
overarching development policy (outlined by the triangle in Box 14). This can be done through a
bottom-up approach, with the projects identified and grouped into investment programmes which
define the development policy of a city; or through a top-down approach, with policies stimulating
a generation of investment programmes which are then implemented through transformation
projects.

A multi-level approach means that information should circulate from the “top” and the “bottom”
simultaneously, ensuring alignment between all levels of decision-makers. If successful, this
increases the chances of obtaining the desired outputs, outcomes and impacts. This approach also
helps to unify “ways of doing business” across levels. Making ways of doing business consistent
and predictable is vital for attracting investors.

Box 17: A multi-level approach

30 U4SSC: Guidelines on tools and mechanisms to finance Smart Sustainable Cities projects