Synthesis of comments on the final report ESPON 1.1.1, “The role, specific situation and potentials of urban areas as nodes in a polycentric development”

Abstract

Following the ESDP and its objectives of a more balanced territorial development of the EU space, this TPG explores the concept of polycentrism, both theoretically and empirically. It concludes on policy recommendations to improve polycentrism at micro, meso and macro level, but also point out the possible contradictions between polycentrism strategy implemented simultaneously at each level. It is a document with strategic orientation, as it assembles on the one hand elements of diagnostic, regarding the situation of the cities and of the continental urban pattern, the exchange flows and how polycentrism is taken into account by national policies, and on the other hand recommendations for implementing the polycentrism principles at the different European, national and regional scales.