7: Building A City–University Partnership for Accelerating Urban Climate Neutrality: The Case of València (Spain)

City–university partnerships (CUPs) are emerging as dynamic collaborations addressing urban challenges in various cities. This chapter delves into the transformative dynamics of the CUP in Valencia, particularly within the framework of the European Union (EU) Cities Mission. Valencia, a recognized leader, achieved the EU Mission Label in 2023, showcasing the success of its collaboration with the Polytechnic University of València (UPV). The Valencian CUP functions as a multi-faceted entity, serving as a knowledge powerhouse, an innovation catalyst in urban policies, and a vital educational space. The exploration unfolds various dimensions of the CUP’s impact, emphasizing its contributions to the city’s development model, innovation in urban policies, and transdisciplinary education. Examining collaborations and transformations leading to CUP creation and effective functioning through the multi-level perspective (MLP) framework illuminates a complexity of the CUP in Valencia. It also highlights the catalytic role of the EU Cities Mission in shaping CUP creation. In conclusion, the CUP in Valencia stands as a beacon of inspiration and a blueprint for global urban centers navigating the path toward climate neutrality. This chapter contributes valuable insights to the broader discourse on the transformative potential of CUPs, acknowledging the narrative as ongoing and calling for further research to uncover their full potential in shaping resilient and sustainable urban landscapes.