Third NeT-TOPIC thematic Seminar

In general terms, Metropolitan Governance deals with governing and managing urban issues across boundaries (geographical and administrative boundaries). In the context of globalization of the local economy, the rising share of service-based activities (both for business and residents) the development of new information and communication technologies, an increase of mobility, the fragmentation of urban space, social and spatial segregation, new models of governance for European Metropolitan areas have to be developed. The seminar intended to deal the theme taking into account peripheral local authorities' point of view. 

The seminar intended to gather expert speakers on the theme as well as to present some practical experiences.  Mr. Jordi Borja (geographer and urban planner co-director of the postgraduate programme “Management of the City” Universitat Oberta de Catalunya) analysed the current challenges of urban planning in European metropolis and the role of peripheral cities. Ms. Heloïse Nez (professor at University Paris 13 and researcher at Laboratoire Architecture Ville Urbanisme Environment) talked about the future potentialities and the limits of citizen participation in metropolitan policies. Finally Mr. Christian Lefevre (professor at the Institut Français d’Urbanisme, University Paris Est and researcher at LATTs centre) reflected on the metropolis, new forms of urban governance and the new challenges to be faced.

In addition to the experts’ participations, 4 NeT-TOPIC cities with a significant experience on the issues dealt explained their cases: Nanterre – Paris metropolitan area (Mr. Perreau Bezouille, 1st Deputy Mayor); Salford – Manchester metropolitan area (Councillor Antrobus, Lead member of planning); Sacele – Brasov metropolitan area (Mr. Nistor, Mayor); and L’Hospitalet de Llobregat – Barcelona metropolitan area (Mrs. Ana Mª Prados, Councillor of Urban Planning and works and 4th Deputy Mayor).  

The exchanging, discussions and learning within this seminar were established around different fields or domains of metropolitan governance:

-Urban planning across boundaries of public governments, the public-public relation within metropolitan areas.

-Economic development and labour markets across boundaries

-Citizen participation and civil society across boundaries. The challenges of a metropolitan community.

A Thematic Publication on the interventions and conclusions of the Third Seminar will be available in short. For the moment you can consult the Position Paper (OUTPUTS' SECTION) elaborated by NeT-TOPIC partners where they express their experiences and concerns in relation to the theme dealt in order to offer a real framework to ensure a clear focus for the seminar.