Qualitative comparative analysis of city sustainable strategies: Insights from of 25 global cities

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and mounting environmental pressures require fresh strategies for sustainable city development. Although research abounds on individual measures, green corridors, compact-city policies, and smart technologies, comparative insights into how these approaches interact are scarce. This study bridges that gap by applying Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to 25 leading cities, structured around six interdependent dimensions: Ecological Urban Quality (ECOQ), Environmental & Geographic Factors (ENGE), Economic & Financial Conditions (ECOF), Political & Policy Factors (POP), Social & Cultural Dynamics (SOCC), and Technological Innovation (TECHI). Leveraging composite indices and TOSMANA-driven procedures, we identify nine “recipes” for high ecological performance and five configurations tied to underperformance. Findings demonstrate that no single condition guarantees success; instead, the synergy especially between ENGE and POP proves most potent. Case studies of Bogotá and Quito reveal how financial and institutional constraints can stall progress despite strong natural endowments. Moving beyond isolated examples, this research delivers a novel decision-support tool for urban planners and policymakers. It enriches theoretical understanding of conjunctural causation in ecological urbanism and offers actionable guidance for crafting locally tailored policy mixes, advancing more resilient, equitable, and ecologically sound urban futures.