ABSTRACT
In economic terms, globalization can be interpreted roughly as an extension of markets. This chapter analyzes some attempts to cope with the changes in the economic structure of cities, especially those that master increasing regional competition through cooperative relationships between core cities and surrounding communities. It considers three urban agglomeration areas in southern Germany: the Region Rhein Main, the Region Stuttgart, and the Rhein Neckar Triangle. In the process leading to the consolidation of a single European market, the region has become increasingly significant—both in the Commission's policies and in the public debate about a "Europe of the Regions." The chapter discusses two factors that play a major role in present urban region building in Germany: the role of the European Commission and the crisis of local labor markets in Germany. It concludes with more general evaluative remarks on the process of urban region building in Germany.
