Transformation toward an eco-city: lessons from three Asian cities

This comparative case study of three Asian cities (Penghu in Taiwan, Seoul in South Korea and Tianjin in China) elucidates the effects of different national approaches to eco-city development and the antecedents of the building of an eco-city. To better understand the Asian context, the three Asian cities of interest were compared with two European cities – Freiburg (Germany) and Samsö (Denmark). The effects of the approach to the development of an eco-city and the fitting of its business activities to the local context are investigated. The analysis identifies four transforming antecedents of the development of an eco-city in Asia, which are (1) utilization of a national approach and policy, (2) the presence of a dedicated local public authority, (3) the continuous engagement of local citizens, and (4) an infusion of national capability and business activity. The transformational development of an eco-city in Asia seeks to create a new techno-social regime that is based on sustainable solutions, whereas their respective national capabilities must be emphasized with an eye to efficiency, economy, and effectiveness simultaneously.