ABSTRACT
The concept of the ‘learning community’, ‘learning city’ or ‘learning region’ is rapidly becoming accepted in the population centres of many countries. A learning city provides both a structural and a mental framework which allows its citizens to understand and react positively to change. The Information Society is already having a powerful effect on the City. A city or region may comprise several interacting learning communities, based upon smaller geographical units. The process of creating a learning city potentially offers substantial benefits and opportunities for every citizen, but it needs inspirational management and a communicated sense of purpose and direction, preferably using modern communications technology and media support. As cities grow into lifelong learning communities, interactions and interdependencies are built up between them and in time they become more dynamic and more profitable for all partners. In some circumstances, different sectors will take a position of leadership over that aspect of the learning city in which they have expertise.
