This article is an introduction to a special issue of the journal, devoted to the progress of research in the analysis of economic dynamics of small and medium-sized towns (SMST). As the notion of SMST comes from regional planning policies, we argue for a redefinition of the object by the...

This article is an introduction to a special issue of the journal, devoted to the progress of research in the analysis of economic dynamics of small and medium-sized towns (SMST). As the notion of SMST comes from regional planning policies, we argue for a redefinition of the object by the...

In both countries, France and Germany, there is great pressure to change and adapt towards new forms of urbanity and to conceive new strategic approaches with limited public finance and a need for economic efficiency. Not all types of urban areas are equally affected by these issues. The book...

This chapter concentrates on institutional differences in France and Germany. The stability of the German institutional setting contrasts with the series of institutional reforms that have stretched over decades or even half a century in France. While in Germany transformation has taken the form...

The evolution of city regions and metropolises in both countries illustrates the theoretical debates on this particular geographical object. Political legitimacy, significant autonomy and a 'relevant' territorial area should form the basis of these regions. But there is a long way to go from...

La France et l'Allemagne sont toutes deux confrontées à une forte pression pour évoluer et s'adapter à de nouvelles formes d'urbanité et pour concevoir d'autres approches stratégiques dans un contexte de finances publiques limitées et de nécessité de performance économique. Ces enjeux...

L'évolution des villes-régions et des métropoles dans les deux pays illustre les débats théoriques sur cet objet géographique particulier. La légitimité politique, une autonomie importante et une zone territoriale "pertinente" devraient constituer la base de ces régions. Mais de cette...