European Cities in the Knowledge Economy

Van den Berg, L. et al (2005) ‘European Cities in the Knowledge Economy: The Cases of Amsterdam, Dortmund, Eindhoven, Helsinki, Manchester, Munich, Munster, Rotterdam and Zaragoza’, Aldershot: Ashgate.

An excellent empirical review of the level of integration of 9 European cities in the knowledge economy, by analysing both their knowledge economy foundations - knowledge base, economic base, quality of life, accessibility, urban diversity, urban scale and social equity - and the activities the municipalities are undertaking in order to promote urban integration in the knowledge economy - attracting knowledge workers, creating knowledge, applying knowledge and developing growth clusters - which require effective organisation capacity from the municipality. A must-read with a solid research framework and an exhaustive empirical work.

Sample chapter here.
Discussion paper here.
Dr. Willem van Winden 2005 lecture "Small and Medium-sized Cities in the Knowledge-based Economy: Challenges and Policy Options" here.
Order the book here.