Introduction to small cities : how to describe/define them? -- Small cities in a world of mega-cities -- What are the strengths and weaknesses of smaller cities? -- Is size important? -- Public policy and small cities in North America -- Public policies and small cities in the European Union --...

"Plenty has been written on the competitiveness of megacities, capital cities and regional hubs. Cities in developing countries have not yet received the same attention - this book fills that gap. An international team of expert academics have come together to present a comprehensive study of...

The volume begins with an Introduction, followed by a set of three papers in Part Two examining European urban competitiveness from the standpoints of measurement and policy. This section also provides a case study of the cities of one country - Italy - from which the reader can gain an...