Integrated urban planning is one of the basic approaches to modern planning and is, due to the complex character of spatial phenomena, a logical and necessary one. Policy-making for sustainable urban development and the creation of institutional frameworks at all levels has acknowledged integrated planning as the mechanism for achieving a sustainable and resilient urban space and environment. The main aim of integrated urban planning is to “identify opportunities to solve problems holistically.” (Ovink & Boeijengap.191). The multi-disciplinary nature of the solutions ensures that these are capable of withstanding unexpected challenges and have the flexibility to adapt to new situations. Furthermore, a broad range of stakeholders, planners and experts which are involved in the development of comprehensive solutions forms a strong support for the implementation of urban development projects.

Important aspect of integrated planning is the collaboration of sectors. The interconnectedness and complexity of the challenges means that the added value of these solutions lead to multiple benefits for different sectors and on different scales.  We must not forget the important role played by universities and their staff in shaping what happens in the city in many fields. University has come to be viewed by many public officials and analysts as a driver of overall urban development. These institutions are involved in urban changes and they are fully engaged in the collective capacity of civic leaders to achieve the multiple interests of cities and communities, as a well as universities.

They constitute a centre that is innovative in terms of new technologies and modern solutions that allow the city to develop both infrastructurally and socially in a sustainable way. Important factor influencing development and integrated planning in urban areas is the creation of human capital. The quality of human capital closely related to universities, may also be understood as an important factor influencing local development also in the sense that the "final product" of education - qualified graduates of universities - positively influences the situation on the local labour market. They become specialists who, while employed in a city, may create sometimes innovative and useful solutions in the field of urban planning, intelligent energy management or mobility. They are well acquainted with the local context, are aware of the needs of the inhabitants and the possibilities of the city, and at the same time the knowledge they have acquired during their education enables them to approach the topic rationally.

Innovation and knowledge and technology transfer are other important catalysts for development resulting from the location of universities in the city. Scientists and university staff also fulfil their role in the social context as the voice of intelligent, informed and experienced citizens. Their expertise can be of particular help to a city seeking the best solutions for its citizens when developing programmes, policies and other strategic documents. Actions taken freely by campuses and university centres in the area of sustainability can also inspire other stakeholders in the city and thus even the ruling power. 

A good example of this is the ongoing project in Europe - S3UNICA project. It is the natural of the Pilot Project “Smart Campus”. The Smart Specialization University Campus project aims at emphasizing the role of Universities in regional innovation policies, by providing specialist research and technical expertise in the field of energy sustainable buildings and by offering campuses as a hands-on lab where to implement these innovative solutions. Universities involved in the project can contribute to regional knowledge exchange and its translation into innovative energy products, solutions and public/private services. The project is also expected to contribute to a broader involvement of universities in the development and implementation of regional and local innovation strategies, including by conducting specialized research, providing expert knowledge and using university buildings as laboratories where new solutions are tested.