ABSTRACT
The city, intended as an archetype for a specific and historically successful form of social organization, has long since been recognized as the birthplace of innovation and creativity. The initial theorization concerning local innovative milieux made direct reference to the phenomenon of specialized industrial districts. In fact there are ways by which medium and medium-large cities can reach a sufficient critical mass, in terms of demography and market size, in order to attain comparable incomes, innovation capability and creativity, high international visibility, reputation and lifestyles. Urban policies can help the creation of an urban atmosphere greatly, particularly in some places or districts, which could be attractive for cultivated and creative people. This chapter states that in history the city has always worked as an innovative environment, attracting the functions that were critical in each historical stage and developing its physical internal structure according to what was needed during each time.
