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Global networks, cities and economic performance: Observations from an analysis of cities in Europe and the USA

Author

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  • Kathy Pain

    (University of Reading, UK)

  • Gilles Van Hamme

    (ULB, Belgium)

  • Sandra Vinciguerra

    (University of Reading, UK)

  • Quentin David

    (University of Lille 1, France)

Abstract

The network paradigm has been highly influential in spatial analysis in the globalisation era. As economies across the world have become increasingly integrated, so-called global cities have come to play a growing role as central nodes in the networked global economy. The idea that a city’s position in global networks benefits its economic performance has resulted in a competitive policy focus on promoting the economic growth of cities by improving their network connectivity. However, in spite of the attention being given to boosting city connectivity little is known about whether this directly translates to improved city economic performance and, if so, how well connected a city needs to be in order to benefit from this. In this paper we test the relationship between network connectivity and economic performance between 2000 and 2008 for cities with over 500,000 inhabitants in Europe and the USA to inform European policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Kathy Pain & Gilles Van Hamme & Sandra Vinciguerra & Quentin David, 2016. "Global networks, cities and economic performance: Observations from an analysis of cities in Europe and the USA," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 53(6), pages 1137-1161, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:53:y:2016:i:6:p:1137-1161
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098015577303
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Frost, I. L., 2017. "Re-examining the relationship: urban economic performance and external economies," R-Economy, Ural Federal University, Graduate School of Economics and Management, vol. 3(3), pages 130-138.
    4. Chengwei Wang & Qingchun Meng, 2020. "Research on the Sustainable Synergetic Development of Chinese Urban Economies in the Context of a Study of Industrial Agglomeration," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-15, February.
    5. Li He & Jian’ge Tao & Ping Meng & Dan Chen & Meng Yan & Lászlo Vasa, 2021. "Analysis of socio-economic spatial structure of urban agglomeration in China based on spatial gradient and clustering," Oeconomia Copernicana, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 12(3), pages 789-819, September.
    6. Margarida Rodrigues & Mário Franco, 2018. "Measuring the Performance in Creative Cities: Proposal of a Multidimensional Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-21, November.
    7. Tenzin Tamang & Hoan Phung Tien, 2020. "Intertwined World: Economic Networks, Positionality And Growth," Review of Economic and Business Studies, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, issue 25, pages 109-133, June.

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