A new conventional wisdom, spanning academic and policy communities, sees a combination of economic competitiveness, social cohesion and responsive governance as essential for survival in the post-1980s world - and cities as crucial to achieving these goals. This interdisciplinary text provides the first critical examination of these ideas, drawing on the UK Cities research programme and other recent research. It combines analysis of the competitiveness-cohesion-governance problematic with examination of the major processes underlying key sectors of the urban economy, physical development, social relations, neighbourhoods and urban policy.

'This book will challenge and stimulate students new to the field. But it will also satisfy older heads looking to have their intellectual curiosity refreshed... Its analysis and policy lessons will be valuable for researchers and policy-makers alike. In particular its trenchant critique of the 'New Conventional Wisdom' which dominates academic and policy discussion of urban issues at the beginning of the 21st century should be compulsory reading for anyone interested in cities - wherever they live or work.' - Professor Michael Parkinson 'I would not hesitate to recommend the book to academics with an interest in understanding how key issues like competitiveness, cohesion and governance play out on the contemporary scene of urban studies at the beginning of the twenty-first century.' - Acta Sociologica '[A]n essential read for all those involved in economic development and regeneration at local, regional and national levels and all those involved in the evaluation of the policies' - Judith Rutherford, Local Economy

NICK BUCK is Professor and Director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, UK.

IAN GORDON is Professor of Human Geography, London School of Economics, UK.

ALAN HARDING is Professor of Urban and Regional Governance and Co-Director of the Centre for Sustainable Urban and Regional Futures, Salford University, UK.

IVAN TUROK is Professor of Urban Economic Development, University of Glasgow, UK.