URBAN COMPETITIVENESS AND URBAN GOVERNANCE IN THE GLOBALIZING WORLD

Abstract

This paper discusses the ideas of urban competitiveness and urban governance in the context of urban transformation in the age of globalization. There are independent spheres of competitiveness at firm, sectoral, urban and national levels due to their own characteristics. But competitive cities are backed by competitive firms. The scope of urban competitiveness includes quality of life and is wider than that of firm competitiveness. Urban competitiveness and urban governance are interrelated and the pursuit of urban competitiveness will necessitate changes in urban governance. There is a great need to pay more attention to comprehensive competitiveness of cities to ensure economic, social and environmental sustainability. A comprehensive perspective on urban competitiveness and urban governance is required for policy-making. Hong Kong is used as a case study to highlight the changing urban governance and new initiatives of HKSAR government to enhance the urban competitiveness. Nevertheless, the role of government should not be overestimated as government can only have limited impact. The ultimate success needs the active participation of business sector and the community at large. The place promotion after SARS is a good example.