ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the construction of metropolitan space, with a specific focus on the role of economic development actors, political interests and practices in affecting the construction of metropolitan space. The case from the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region in China is explored to examine the importance of scale (metropolitan scale, as well as multi- and trans-scalar actions) for metropolitan development and empirically test the hypotheses of political rescaling and neoliberalization of urban spaces and governance. The case of Shenzhen was analyzed to investigate the roles played by nation states, local governments and private firms in the governance of metropolitan development. What strategies, policies and projects are being pursued? Can convergence or divergence be identified in the patterns of economic and spatial development of metropolitan areas? The objective is to identify the key actors, process and network, with particular reference to the role of states and firms in governing metropolitan development. Issues are discussed including spaces of inter-dependence and engagement, the processes of territorial anchoring, the role of territorial resources, the nature and forms of inter-municipal cooperation and regional coordination through the lens of states and firms.
