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Splintering Networks: Cities and Technical Networks in 1990s Britain

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  • Simon Guy

    (Centre for Urban Technology, Department of Town and Country Planning, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, CUT-admin@newcastle.ac.uk)

Abstract

The past 15 years have seen an enormous shift in the regulation and management of infrastructure networks in the UK. Complex patchworks of competitive gas, electricity, water and telecom providers are replacing the relatively uniform, monopolistic and monolithic regimes of the post-war period. These changes have major, but poorly explored, implications for the economic, social and environmental development of British cities. In this context, the current paper aims critically to problematise the conventional approach of urban analysts to the development of urban technical networks. We do this in four parts. First, we develop a sympathetic critique of existing conceptual approaches to the study of urban technical networks. Secondly, we analyse the transformation of urban technical systems in the UK since the implementation of the Conservatives' privatisation process of the 1980s. In particular, we focus on the 'splintering' of infrastructure networks and the creation of complex new 'patchworks' of urban technical systems. Thirdly, we build upon this analysis to identify the social, economic and environmental logics emerging from this process of rapid change. Finally, we draw together the implications of the splintering process for the governance of British cities.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon Guy, 1997. "Splintering Networks: Cities and Technical Networks in 1990s Britain," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 34(2), pages 191-216, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:34:y:1997:i:2:p:191-216
    DOI: 10.1080/0042098976140
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kraemer, Kenneth L. & King, John Leslie, 1982. "Telecommunications/ transportation substitution and energy conservation Part 2," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 6(2), pages 87-99, June.
    2. Graham, Stephen & Marvin, Simon, 1994. "Cherry picking and social dumping : Utilities in the 1990s," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 4(2), pages 113-119, April.
    3. McGowan, Francis, 1988. "Public ownership and the performance of the UK ESI," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 16(3), pages 221-225, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Timothy Moss, 2008. "‘Cold spots’ of Urban Infrastructure: ‘Shrinking’ Processes in Eastern Germany and the Modern Infrastructural Ideal," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(2), pages 436-451, June.

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