The aim of this book is to illustrate the concept of urban competitiveness and to show how present-day cities should approach this phenomenon given the increased complexity of the urban environment. The first part focuses on the reasons for cities behaving in a logic of competition; the definition of urban competitiveness and urban functions; and the role of urban management in improving the performance of cities.

The second part presents the analysis of urban competitiveness and management strategies in the Central Veneto (Italy) and Rotterdam (The Netherlands) regions. The aim is to see if these regions, currently very competitive in specific urban functions, could develop new urban functions without jeopardising their performance in existing competitive functions.