The pilot project Metropolitan Networks (MetroNet) is embedded in the Work Package named Territorial Impact Analysis Forum (TIAn Forum).

• MetroNet deals with the main spatial development notions and concepts. Here it should come to an analytical clarification of the concept of "polycentric spatial development at the European level" and of the concept of "Global economic integration zones" (GIZ), territorial impacts of different spatial structures of metropolitan networks.

• MetroNet undertakes an empirical analysis of city networks in Central and South East Europe: analysis of existing city networks' structure and potential for polycentric development; topical functional profiles of the cities concerned and recent trends, potential areas for competition, division of transnational functions (synergies), actual co-operations. Description of possible territorial impacts of establishing polycentric networks of metropolitan areas.

The frame of the pilot project Metropolitan Networks is defined as follows:

Aim of pilot-project:
- to analyse the existing metropolitan networks in CADSES and their territorial impacts
- to analyse the potential for polycentric development at the European level by promoting "Global Economic Integration Zones" (GEIZ), their possible territorial impacts, their promoters and to elaborate the benefits in terms of development potentials of the cities and regions concerned (according to project proposal).

Actors to be addressed:
- cities, regional and national governments

Interventions referred to:
- urban policy measures strategic in relation to competition/co-operation between cities

Impacts to be analysed:
- transnational development potentials with respect to the concept of polycentric development, in particular to "Global Economic Integration Zones".

Criteria/Indicators:
- functional relations between cities, their domains and the degree of co-operation concerning functional division of labour between neighbouring capital cities (national and regional); discrepancies between two scenarios (Trend versus Co-operation) will be assessed.

Data sources to be used:
- mainly the ESPON project 1.1.1 "Potentials for polycentric development" and partly also the 1.1.3 "Effects of enlargement of the EU and beyond on the polycentric spatial tissue with special attention on discontinuities and barriers"; inquiries by project partners.

First results of pilot project "Metropolitan Networks" are now available.

For further information please contact:

Friedrich Schindegger
Tel: 0043 1 5338747-41
schindegger@oir.at

Gabriele Tatzberger
Tel: 0043 1 5338747-18
tatzberger@oir.at