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Polycentric Urban Regions and the Quest for Synergy: Is a Network of Cities More than the Sum of the Parts?

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  • Evert Meijers

    (Delft University of Technology, OTB Research Institute for Housing, Urban and Mobility Studies, PO Box 5030, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands, e.meijer.r@otb.tudelft.nl)

Abstract

Polycentric urban regions, or urban networks, are often associated with the notion of synergy, the assumption being that the individual cities in these collections of distinct but proximally located cities relate to each other in a synergetic way, making the whole network of cities more than the sum of its parts. Drawing on economic network theories, an analysis of the presence of synergy is carried out for the Randstad region in the Netherlands, which is often considered a classic example of a polycentric urban region. The analysis focuses on the synergy mechanisms of co-operation and in particular complementarity. The results are mixed. In terms of co-operation, the Randstad has become more synergetic. However, the less complementary economic roles of the cities caused a reverse effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Evert Meijers, 2005. "Polycentric Urban Regions and the Quest for Synergy: Is a Network of Cities More than the Sum of the Parts?," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 42(4), pages 765-781, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:42:y:2005:i:4:p:765-781
    DOI: 10.1080/00420980500060384
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    4. Reusser, Dominik E. & Loukopoulos, Peter & Stauffacher, Michael & Scholz, Roland W., 2008. "Classifying railway stations for sustainable transitions – balancing node and place functions," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 16(3), pages 191-202.
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    9. Schmitt Peter & Knapp Wolfgang, 2006. "RheinRuhr als polyzentrischer „Raum der Orte“ im „Raum der Ströme“," ZFW – Advances in Economic Geography, De Gruyter, vol. 50(1), pages 217-231, October.
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