Benchmarking City-Regions

City-regions have re-emerged as important elements in political life, with interests in devolution processes, independence referendums, cross-border cooperation, economic renewal, and governance efficiency. This book benchmarks city-regions' social innovation processes and restructuring of their relationships with nation-states.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The modern world presents states with the challenge of managing their territories effectively, both politically and economically. In this context, a new form of territory known as the "city-region" has gained significant importance in political life. City-regions are characterized by a diverse range of territorial strategies, including devolution processes, independence referendums, cross-border cooperation, economic renewal, and governance efficiency. This book aims to benchmark city-regions based on their ongoing social innovation processes and the restructuring of their relationship with nation-states.

One of the key challenges facing city-regions is the need to address the complex and interconnected issues that affect their development. These issues include urbanization, economic inequality, social exclusion, and environmental degradation. City-regions must develop innovative solutions to address these challenges and create a more sustainable and inclusive future for their residents.

One of the most significant strategies for city-regions is devolution. Devolution involves transferring powers and responsibilities from the national government to local authorities. This can include the transfer of tax revenues, the provision of public services, and the management of local infrastructure. Devolution can help to increase local autonomy and accountability, and can also lead to more efficient and effective governance.

Independence referendums are another important strategy for city-regions. These referendums allow residents to decide whether they want to remain part of a nation-state or become independent. Independence referendums can be a powerful tool for promoting democracy and self-determination, but they can also be contentious and divisive.

Cross-border cooperation is also important for city-regions. City-regions are often located in close proximity to each other, and they can benefit from working together to address common challenges. Cross-border cooperation can include the sharing of resources, the development of joint infrastructure, and the promotion of trade and investment.

Economic renewal is another critical strategy for city-regions. City-regions must develop strategies to promote economic growth and create jobs. This can include the development of new industries, the promotion of innovation, and the reduction of unemployment. Economic renewal can also help to improve the quality of life for residents.

Governance efficiency is also important for city-regions. City-regions must develop effective governance structures that can deliver services to their residents efficiently and effectively. This can include the development of transparent and accountable government, the promotion of public participation, and the reduction of bureaucracy.

In conclusion, the city-region has re-emerged as an important element in political life in the modern world. City-regions are characterized by a diverse range of territorial strategies, including devolution processes, independence referendums, cross-border cooperation, economic renewal, and governance efficiency. This book aims to benchmark city-regions based on their ongoing social innovation processes and the restructuring of their relationship with nation-states. By developing innovative solutions to address the complex and interconnected issues that affect their development, city-regions can create a more sustainable and inclusive future for their residents.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138932586