Cities as Anticipatory Systems

The theory of anticipation suggests that systems, both biological and social, can adapt and update based on predictive models. Cities, whichcan be seen as complex systems that are associated with innovation, are undergoing changes in response to current socio-ecological transitions. Therefore, cities can be viewed as anticipatory systems that may signal future transformationsthat arise in response to the challenges posed by these ongoingsocio-ecological transitions. This book combines futures studies and anticipation theories with urban studies and theories of urban transition. Chapters addresstheoretical and empirical aspects of both fields andpresentcase studies from a wide array ofinternational perspectives. These diverse examplesdemonstrate how cities implement arrangements and strategies to allow their actors of all kinds to anticipate change.As such, contributions in this edited volume explorepossible scenarios and proposals for strengthening anticipatory competences in urban areas and examinethe potential consequences of these innovations in the cities of the future.