A new report from the Economist Intelligence Unit and sponsored by AkzoNobel explores how cities can create optimal environments for citizens.

The report, called Tomorrow’s cities, features city experts and executives from across the world, who were invited to share their views on various topics, including how to make transport more accessible and how to create more age-friendly cities.

Available from today, the 22-page publication features contributions from Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage; Jeff Risom, partner and managing director at Gehl Studio; and Emma Stewart, head of sustainability solutions at Autodesk.

“This report celebrates the efforts and innovative thinking of cities that have re-invented themselves to better serve citizens,” explained The EIU’s Zoe Tabary, who was the editor of the report. “It shows that change is most effective when implemented by a mix of stakeholders – from policymakers to business executives, architects and citizens themselves.”

First announced last November, AkzoNobel’s partnership with The EIU involved a series of interviews and blogs being published on both The EIU’s thought leadership website and AkzoNobel’s corporate website. These have now been compiled into a single report which offers an in-depth look at how cities can strive to become more liveable and sustainable.

Other subjects covered include the benefits of empowering communities to improve their environment, learning how to integrate slums and rethinking urban technology.

AkzoNobel is already working to improve the world’s urban areas through its Human Cities initiative, which is designed to address some of the key challenges of the 21st century.

Respected around the globe, The EIU has a wealth of experience in helping business and industry understand how the world is changing and what opportunities and risks need to be taken into account.

To learn more about Human Cities visit www.akzonobel.com/humancities