In praise of megacities in a global world

Abstract

This paper argues that in the historical evolution of cities, large‐scale urbanization is not only a fact, but a necessary outcome of the forces of globalization and competition. The current trend towards large cities and megacities in a complex global urban system, operating and interacting at a local to global multi‐layer scale, is inevitable. However, their dynamics is as yet a poorly understood phenomenon that deserves full‐scale policy action and research attention in our highly diversified space‐economy.

Critical Performance Factors for Large World Cities - In Search of Qualitative Causal Patterns by means of Rough Set Analysis

“…(Doel, Hubard 2002, Kourtit, Nijkamp 2013b, Neal 2012, Sassen 1991, Taylor 2004. They all have different meanings, but are also often used interchangeably in the literature.…”

“…We talk more and more about global urban competition and competitiveness profiles of cities. This so-called 'rat race' (Kourtit, Nijkamp 2013b, Kourtit, Nijkamp, Suzuki 2013 does not mean that cities are in all respects competitors which operate on a 'predator-prey' basis, but it suggests that many world cities aim to reach a top position in a global competitive ranking system. The aim of the present paper is now to offer a methodology for comparing in a logical and systematic way a broad range of qualitative performance 2 indicators of a set of global cities, in total 40 in number.…”

Overcome Gentrification: New Dutch Urban Paradigms

“…They are subjected to a very complex and diverse set of socio-economic forces that are closely interwoven with far-reaching demographic transformations, socio-cultural, political, economic and technological drivers and challenges at all geographic scales that may influence the vitality and attractiveness of urban areas [10]. Clearly, such areas do not only show a quantitative size increase, but also a qualitative composition change; as is happening in the Netherlands; as a result of international migration, some cities are becoming melting pots of ethnic diversity, language differences, religious denominations, cultural expressions and socio-economic disparities.…”

“…Clearly, with the rise of second-and third-generation migrants, the share of socio-cultural differences tends to decline; nevertheless, a qualitative shift in the cultural face of cities is manifest [12]. The traditional roles of cities are constantly being redefined in a global competitive system, as demands for high-quality amenities and public services are subject to permanent change [9][10].…”

“…This urbanization movement appears to manifest itself even more prominently in the developing world, and is sometimes called the "law of population concentration" [1]; nowadays in various policy-making institutions, the 21st century is even called "the urban century" [6]. This megatrend offers various great opportunities for urban development, but at the same time, it puts enormous pressure on our urban areas (giving way to negative externalities such as pollution, congestion, security issues and social degradation) [8][9][10].…”