Implementation management: Tasks, areas of expertise, organisational models

The implementation management of energy-efficient urban redevelopment covers a range of activities, but only limited practical experience has been gained in the field so far. Possible tasks, necessary areas of expertise and suitable organisational models need to be defined on the basis of local conditions and the objectives formulated in the integrated neighbourhood strategy.

Tasks

Communication and networking are the core tasks of implementation management. This can take a variety of forms depending on the mix of local actors and may involve anything from mobilising property owners to moderating a municipal steering meeting. For some cities and objectives, implementation management may also entail defining measures more precisely or coordinating their implementation.

Areas of expertise

The expertise required for implementation management also varies according to the tasks and can include communicative abilities, process steering and specialist knowledge of energy technologies. As very often a combination of skills appears necessary, it makes sense for a number of people to be responsible for implementation management. In this regard, those responsible do not have to cover all the necessary skills themselves but must be able to access the proper experts as needed and incorporate available local resources.

Organisational models

It may be possible to make implementation management a part of existing structures or to conduct it in a partnership of stakeholders already actively involved in the project. These organisational models often facilitate knowledge transfer and raise the profile of the project in the neighbourhood itself. At the same time, however, implementation management should maintain its autonomy and remain neutral. The appropriate model for the project depends to a great degree on the goals to be achieved and the target groups.