Development Strategy of Old Industrial Cities: International Experience and Prospects in Russia

Present research deals with socio-economic development of old industrial cities in postindustrial era. The authors analyze both theoretical ideas of urban development and specific examples of economic transformation in old industrial cities in Western countries (USA, France, Italy, Germany and Great Britain). In each case the authors investigate stages of urban industrial development, causes and evolution of the industrial model crisis, successful and unsuccessful strategies of overcoming the crisis. A number of conclusions based on the analysis and which are important from the point of view of old industrial cities’ strategy and urban development on the whole were made.