The challenges of urban-regional development for contemporary global economy

Abstract

The fast course of urbanization and technological changes that occurred throughout the last decades is creating a new geography of power in the world, in which large cities and regions gain increasing importance at global economic and political levels. The present article examines those transformations, arguing that the focus on local governments or urban spaces does not necessarily mean that national states are disappearing like political actors. Not even public sector becomes less relevant implementing and coordinating development efforts. Despite all changes, they remain – actually among other political spheres - a fundamental support for multi-scale regional policies, hence giving sustainability to local growth strategies.