ABSTRACT
In this comparative chapter we evaluate the six city-regional case studies and three countries (France, Italy, Germany) by referring to the four dimensions of the comparative framework (institutions, functions, ideas and spatial relations). The chapter will also discuss the question whether there is a new wave of metropolitan reforms on the horizon that partly takes up the institutional ideas of consolidated metropolitan government of the early 1970s. Although the reforms in Italy and France on first sight confirm this, the practice of implementation shows a much more variegated picture. In both cases the recent changes are not seen as path-breaking changes but show a pattern of adaptative management. In particular France shows a sequence of adaptations and complementary elements with regard to the choice of new city-regions, their size and functional portfolio. In addition, we can summarise that city-regions are by far less relevant for the state modernisation process. Reforms are mostly driven by austerity measures and less by the idea of turning the city-regions to be engines of the economy (the latter is in particular true for Italy). Local agendas are much broader and range from climate change and housing to mobility issues, digitisation and urban regeneration.
