Governance Beyond Administrative Borders: Sustainable Urban Development in Baltic Metropolitan Areas

Purpose: The aim of this research is to analyse whether the metropolitan areas of Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius implement the concept of governance and whether their development strategies aspire to sustainable development. It examines how these capitals integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their policies and governance structures to address urban sustainability challenges. Design/Methodology/Approach: A comparative case study approach was used, incorporating desk research and secondary data analysis. The study examines strategic development documents, policy reports, and governance frameworks to assess how these metropolitan areas implement sustainability principles and inter-municipal cooperation strategies. Findings: The research identifies varying degrees of institutionalized metropolitan governance in the Baltic capitals. Tallinn exhibits the most structured approach with formalized regional cooperation, while Riga faces governance fragmentation. Vilnius employs regional development councils but lacks a fully integrated metropolitan governance model. The alignment of urban strategies with the SDGs is inconsistent across cities, with Tallinn demonstrating the strongest commitment. Practical Implications: The findings provide insights for policymakers on improving metropolitan governance, enhancing inter-municipal cooperation, and effectively integrating SDGs into urban development strategies. The study highlights the need for stronger legal frameworks for metropolitan governance, improved spatial planning integration, and targeted sustainability policies. Originality/Value: The analysis of these cities is expected to contribute to a broader understanding of how small but rapidly developing metropolitan areas align their growth strategies with global sustainability goals and an integrated approach to development planning.