Rationale and Scope:

The world is experiencing unprecedented urbanization, particularly in emerging economies, which leads to an increased demand for sustainable infrastructure solutions. By 2050, approximately 68% of the global population is expected to reside in urban areas, underscoring the urgency of sustainable development to support these populations (United Nations, 2019). Emerging economies, with rapidly growing urban populations, face unique challenges in infrastructure development, including the need for scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solutions (World Bank, 2020). To address these challenges, this Special Issue (SI) will explore innovative strategies, policies, and technological solutions that promote sustainable infrastructure development aligned with the global sustainability agenda, climate change mitigation, and resilience building.

Sustainable infrastructure development not only supports economic growth but also plays a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing community resilience to climate-related risks (UNEP, 2022). The adoption of green infrastructure, such as renewable energy systems, efficient public transportation, and sustainable urban planning, is essential for developing resilient and inclusive urban environments. Furthermore, integrating advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, IoT, and blockchain, can enhance infrastructure efficiency and offer new opportunities for data-driven decision-making in urban planning and governance.

The contributions in this SI will provide insights into governmental policies that foster sustainable practices, innovative financial models to support infrastructure projects, and technological advancements that enable sustainable growth in emerging economies. This includes examining policy frameworks that encourage public-private partnerships, exploring alternative financing models such as green bonds, and showcasing case studies of successful sustainable infrastructure projects. By aligning infrastructure development with global sustainability goals, emerging economies can build a foundation for long-term resilience and economic stability (International Finance Corporation, 2022).

 

This SI will highlight:

• Policy frameworks: Examining successful policies and regulatory frameworks that have supported sustainable infrastructure development.

• Innovative technologies: Exploring cutting-edge technologies that promote efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in infrastructure projects.

• Financing mechanisms: Investigating alternative and innovative financing models for infrastructure in emerging economies.

• Case studies: Analyzing real-world examples of sustainable infrastructure projects and their impacts on communities, economies, and the environment.

• Resilience and climate change: Focusing on how infrastructure can be developed and maintained to withstand the impacts of climate change.

 

Key Themes:

· Sustainable urban infrastructure and planning

· Green technologies for smart cities

· Policy development for sustainable infrastructure

· Infrastructure financing and investment models

· Climate-resilient infrastructure development

· Technological innovations in infrastructure (AI, IoT, Blockchain)

· Public-private partnerships in infrastructure development

· Infrastructure policy and governance in emerging economies

· Circular economy approaches in infrastructure

· Social and environmental impact assessments for infrastructure projects

This SI will appeal to policymakers, urban planners, civil engineers, environmental scientists, and researchers interested in the intersection of infrastructure development, policy, and sustainable growth in emerging economies.

Sustainable Infrastructure Development; Emerging Economies; Urbanization and Sustainable Cities; Green Technologies; Climate-Resilient Infrastructure; Public-Private Partnerships (PPP); Circular Economy in Infrastructure; Alternative Financing Models (Green Bonds); Policy Frameworks for Sustainability; Technological Innovation in Infrastructure (AI, IoT, Blockchain)