Territorial Cohesion: The Economy and Welfare of Cities

Abstract

The paper examines how cities contribute to three dimensions of territorial cohesion: polycentricity, territorial governance and the socio-economic growth. The focus is on the role of cities and Functional Urban Areas (FUAs) as producers of well-being and prosperity in space. This issue is examined on the basis of the recent economic models. However, the economic approach is filtered through the lenses of the territorial cohesion, i.e. impact of growth on polycentricity, and territorial governance (place-based policy design). The theoretical considerations are illustrated by empirical findings mainly from Poland and Central Europe illustrating interplay between growth, polycentricity and territorial governance. On that basis the authors propose how to better integrate cities and FUAs in pursuing territorial cohesion at regional, national, transborder and EU level. The paper provides some plausible answers how to make use of urban economic growth for reinforcing key aspects of territorial cohesion such as vertical and horizontal co-operation, connectivity, urban–rural interactions and securing access to services of general economic interest.