Polycentric territorial patterns encourage more balanced development between regions and more co-operative urban-rural relationships.

The current models and further potentials of polycentric development at different scales in Europe have been analysed by ESPON on the basis of urban structures, accessibility and cooperation

Some European capital cities jointly function as a gateway in the form of a polycentric network with regard to specific functions in a macro-region.

Cross-border metropolitan areas link national urban systems in a way that can generate a number of new opportunities and agglomeration economies.

March 2017 - ESPON presents territorial observations on key development patterns of territories with geographic specificities (coastal areas, islands, mountains and sparsely populated regions) and key messages for policy-makers for designing and implementing development strategies specifically tailored to the needs of these places.

Practical Tools for Analysis and Policy-making

In times of decreasing resources and growing responsibilities, a transition to a circular economy is both a necessity and an opportunity for cities and regions, with the potential to offer long-lasting economic, environmental and social benefits. Many local and regional authorities are already making efforts towards a more circular economy.

Polycentricity is a concept that encourages regions and cities, working with neighbouring territories, to explore common strengths and reveal potential complementarities, which brings added value that cannot be achieved by the individual regions and cities in isolation. 

October 2016 - Polycentricity is a concept that encourages regions and cities, working with neighbouring territories, to explore common strengths and reveal po

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.