The development towards the knowledge economy is an inescapable trend that affects all cities. Urban areas are focal points of the knowledge economy in many respects. The best cards seem to be in the hands of internationally connected metropolitan areas that have a diversified economy, a strong knowledge base, and a high quality of life. A key policy question for national governments is whether to back the winners or help the losers.

The knowledge economy has to have a social basis. Cultural and social amenities and good infrastructure are prerequisites for a flourishing urban economy. At the same time, cities must not all concentrate on the same economic sectors. These are the main conclusions of the report Cities as Engines of the Knowledge Economy, published by URBACT working party STRIKE (Strategies for Towns and Regions in the Knowledge Economy).

European cities in general, more specific Aachen and Münster in Germany, Leuven in Belgium, Manchester in the UK, Eindhoven en Enschede in the Netherlands.

European Institute for Comparative Urban Research, EURICUR
http://www.euricur.nl/
Willem van Winden, tel. +31 (0)10 408 2740

02/11/2005

02/11/2005

policy

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Competitiveness