Second Tier Cities Matter

coverJuly 2016 - More than ever, cities today need to reinforce smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, while managing e.g. demographic change, housing, urban mobility, energy transition, all in a context of scarce public but also private resources. They function as nodes of development and contribute decisively to local, regional, national and European economic growth.

Evidence has shown that a greater distribution of investments within countries is associated with stronger economic performance of their second tier cities. Consequently, a more resilient and polycentric development of the European urban fabric can be achieved by strengthening second tier cities, and by promoting a more networked development of the system of European cities at regional, national and European level. It is therefore important for policy makers to keep in mind the significance of strong second tier cities for economic growth and jobs as well as for polycentric and cohesive territorial development.

The ESPON Policy Brief "Second Tier Cities Matter" is available below.

Contact the ESPON EGTC at [email protected]

 

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