Abstract

The pressure on local authorities is growing. Globalisation of the economy, competition between regions and district-specific problems on the one hand and the need to shape a sustainable future on the other are creating a field of tension in which many cities and municipalities seem barely able to act.
This is no reason to bury your head in the sand, as this volume proves. Above all, existing and possible management potential (in the areas of business, finance and urban development) is highlighted and creative solutions for new forms of cooperation for local authorities are presented.
The centrepiece is the scenarios for urban development developed by the Secretariat for Futures Studies (SFZ) and their commentary by renowned experts. Two alternatives are contrasted with the usual "business as usual": an accentuated market orientation of the municipalities and a complete focus on sustainability.
The volume is aimed at representatives of local authorities, academics and anyone concerned with the global challenges facing cities.
This volume documents the lectures and discussions of a summer academy organised by the SFZ.