The Role of STEP in Promoting Biodiversity Through Urban Regeneration

Urban regeneration has become a pivotal strategy for addressing the complex challenges posed by rapid urbanization, economic stagnation, and environmental degradation. This article explores urban regeneration through its three key drivers: sustainable mobility, energy districts, and the circular economy, which serve as major facilitators of innovation, resilience, and sustainable development in the local context. A fundamental aspect of this process is the incorporation of urban biodiversity and ecosystem services, which contribute to improved environmental quality, social justice, and economic prosperity. Focusing on the Calabria region, one of Italy’s less developed regions, the study examines the performance of three emerging industries: digital industries, environmental industries, and mobility technologies, as key contributors to these drivers. The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) is analysed as a key enabler of urban regeneration, providing the technological frameworks for bridging industry gaps and aligning with biodiversity and sustainability goals. The paper outlines how STEP can support Calabria’s regeneration efforts by providing strategic technological interventions that align with biodiversity goals, helping strengthen ecosystem services while promoting sustainable economic growth.