This Handbook offers an unrivalled overview of current research into how globalization is affecting the external relations and internal structures of major cities in the world. -- By treating cities at a global scale, it focuses on the ‘stretching’ of urban functions beyond specific place...

Sassen's identification of global cities as “strategic places” is explored through world city network analysis. This involves searching out advanced producer service (APS) firms that constitute “strategic networks,” from whose activities strategic places can be defined. Twenty-five out...

Preface -- Background: Chengdu in a Global Context -- Comprehensive Analysis of Existing Data: Chengdu in the World City Network -- Social Research Finding One: Quantitative Analysis of Successful Enterprises -- Social Research Finding Two: Business Success Stories and Inspiration -- Moving onto...