Culture and urban development policies: beyond large metropolis

In a changing world, the role of culture in promoting development has become widely recognised as a means and resource for revitalising places, strengthening the identity and communities’ sense of belonging, boosting the culture economy, and legitimising the action of cultural and political elites and the implementation of new forms of governance. Alongside, the intrinsic value of culture has been discussed, associated with subjective and aesthetic experience and the improvement of individual and collective well-being. The vast literature, on this subject, focuses mainly on the processes that take place in large metropolises due to the concentration and diversity of resources, neglecting the initiatives undertaken in smaller cities. However, the interest in understanding the challenges of these urban centres has increased in the pursuit of a more sustainable and cohesive development in the European context, where they have a significant expression and a central role in urban-rural and centre-periphery relations. This research reflects on the values and roles attributed to culture in the urban planning strategies and development policies of four European small and medium-sized urban centres, situated in intermediate and rural regions, namely, Český Krumlov (Czech Republic); Jyväskylä (Finland); Óbidos (Portugal) and York (England). Given the complex nature of these processes, this study examined through a comparative and relational approach the dominant political discourses and practices, observing the structural conditions and developmental trajectories that shape and are shaped by the actors' agency. This should allow broader conclusions about the political action and cultural processes, and even about how we perceive the transformations that we are living.Num mundo em mudança, o papel da cultura na promoção do desenvolvimento passou a ser reconhecido amplamente, como meio e recurso para revitalizar os lugares, fortalecer a identidade e o sentido de pertença das comunidades, promover a economia da cultura, bem como, legitimar a ação das elites culturais e políticas e a implementação de novas formas de governança. Paralelamente, tem sido discutido o valor intrínseco da cultura, associado à experiência subjetiva e estética e à melhoria do bem-estar individual e coletivo. A vasta literatura sobre este assunto foca-se principalmente nos processos que ocorrem nas grandes metrópoles devido à concentração e diversidade de recursos, negligenciando as iniciativas empreendidas em cidades de menor dimensão. Contudo, o interesse em compreender os desafios destes centros urbanos aumentou na prossecução de um desenvolvimento mais sustentável e coeso no contexto europeu, onde apresentam uma expressão significativa e um papel central nas relações urbano-rural e centro-periferia. A investigação apresentada reflete sobre os valores e os papéis atribuídos à cultura nas estratégias de planeamento urbano e nas políticas de desenvolvimento de quatro centros urbanos de pequena e média dimensão europeus, localizados em regiões intermédias e rurais, designadamente: Český Krumlov (República Checa); Jyväskylä (Finlândia); Óbidos (Portugal) e York (Inglaterra). Dada a natureza complexa destes processos, este estudo procurou examinar, através de uma abordagem comparativa e relacional, os discursos e práticas políticas dominantes, observando as condições estruturais e as trajetórias de desenvolvimento que moldam e são moldadas pela ação dos atores, permitindo deduções mais amplas sobre a ação política e os processos culturais, e mesmo sobre o modo como percecionamos as transformações que estamos a viver

Políticas de desenvolvimento e cultura em pequenas e médias cidades europeias: Questões metodológicas na análise comparativa de estudos de caso

O presente e-working paper visa refletir acerca dos principais desafios metodológicos levantados na análise comparativa de estudos de caso enquanto estratégia metodológica para o estudo das políticas de desenvolvimento e de cultura em pequenas e médias cidades europeias. Partindo dos contributos teórico-metodológicos debatidos no âmbito da sociologia e dos estudos urbanos, procura-se apresentar o quadro teórico-prático que orientará a pesquisa empírica de modo a proceder a comparações significativas em contextos distintos e consequentemente contribuir para revelar aspetos únicos ou regularidades sobre os processos políticos onde a cultura tem assumido um papel preponderante decorrente da agenda urbana europeia.This e-working paper aims to discuss about the main methodological challenges arising from the comparative analysis of case studies as a methodological strategy for the study of development and cultural policies in small and medium-sized European cities. Starting from theoretical and methodological contributions discussed within sociology and urban studies, it seeks to present the theoretical and practical framework that will guide empirical research in order to make meaningful comparisons in different contexts. And thus, to contribute to reveal unique aspects or regularities on political processes where culture has taken a lead role due to European urban agenda

Creative-based strategies in small and medium-sized cities: some European study cases

During the last decades, creative and cultural approaches have been implemented in regional and urban development strategies as key drivers for competitiveness and growth. However, research literature tends to focus mainly in big cities and metropolis, not recognizing the potential of small cities in intermediate and rural regions in fostering territorial cohesion. Nevertheless, public policies based on creativity and innovation are being experienced in non-metropolitan and rural contexts around Europe, Canada and USA focused on economic revitalisation, urban regeneration and reversing de-population trends. These approaches are mainly based on historic precedents (‘path dependency'), in the exploitation of distinctive local attributes and assets regarding culture, environment, lifestyle and quality of life, besides specific investments in infrastructures or support programmes (such as incubators, live-work houses, and specific financing systems), which intend to induce the attraction of talent and the development of creative businesses. The main aim of this investigation is to examine the recent approaches to cultural and creative economy that are being implemented by small and medium-sized cities in Europe that still remain largely unstudied. The objective is to establish a typology of creative-based strategies through the analysis of the definitions adopted by regional and local authorities as well as the justifications and planning instruments used that reflect different priority goals or purposes. The paper engages the debate on rural and urban relationships as well as on the regional interdependencies. It is also stressed the demand for adapting widespread development policies to local specificities and to build up innovative forms of governance for a fully engagement of the local actors at different levels, in search of a competitive but also cohesive society. As a result, it is our intention to contribute to the theoretical thinking about the crucial factors for the sustainability of small local economies in regional development

Creative clusters in low density urban areas: A case study approach

Creative clusters are considered to be only viable in big cities. However, creativity can act as a driving force for the development of low density areas, combating the exodus to large metropolis. On one hand, creative people are attracted to low density environments characterized by the presence of endogenous assets, such as natural and historical-cultural amenities and by a healthy quality of life. On the other, creative businesses in the areas of design, crafts, arts, etc are the result of an active entrepreneurial spirit of these talented people who want to live, work, learn and play in these creative communities. Places with a higher concentration of creative occupations tend to have more creative activities and to develop dynamic creative clusters. Furthermore, creative industries provide innovative inputs and knowledge spillovers to traditional sectors of small economies. Thus, the creative issue could contribute to impulse a sort of leapfrog in terms of social and economic development for small and midsize towns as well as an excellent opportunity to rethink rural development. Local public policies have a role to fulfill, promoting strategies oriented to: attraction of the creative class; enhancement of creative entrepreneurship; promotion of creative industries; creation of artistic and cultural infrastructures (museums, galleries, schools, incubators); launching of events, fairs and exhibitions; promotion of creative urban regeneration, etc. But, the presence and role of creative clusters and talents in low density zones need to be more widely acknowledged in order to pursue innovation policies aimed at developing small economies. The objective of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between low density areas and the development of creative industries and the attraction of talented people. The research approach will be based on a case study methodology centered on the analysis of three European examples of creative small urban environments (Óbidos, PT; Barnsley, UK; Hódmez√µvásárhely, HU). A conceptual model and a set of analysis dimensions will be defined as the theoretical background of this benchmarking exercise. The aim of this investigation is to distil best practices and policy recommendations for the development of creative low density communities

Creative-based strategies in small and medium-sized cities: Key dimensions of analysis

The present article intends to contribute to the literature and research agenda regarding the importance of the creative economy as a driver for the revitalisation and development of small and medium-sized cities in Europe. Several studies argue that these territorial areas are necessarily doomed to failure and decline due to the lack of critical mass and density in terms of economic and institutional resources. However, some small towns are changing their development path towards a new ‘urban’ paradigm. The present research aims to identify and analyse a set of dimensions that have to be taken into consideration in the implementation of creative-based strategies in small and medium-sized cities, namely: governance factors, endogenous factors, and territorial embeddedness

The evolution and spatial dynamics of coworking spaces in Lisbon: a qualitative analysis

This article examines the emergence, historical evolution, and spatial dynamics of coworking spaces (CWS) in Lisbon, Portugal, as part of a broader investigation into new working spaces in diverse geographies. The study explores the development and deployment of CWS within city development and planning, looking in particular at local government strategy focused on innovation and entrepreneurship and at private initiatives. The research questions guiding the study are: (i) What are the key phases and critical moments in the development of CWS in Lisbon, and how have they influenced the current landscape in terms of distribution and sectors of CWS in the city? (ii) How have local government strategies and private initiatives influenced the development, location, and resilience of CWS in Lisbon, taking into consideration the impact of global events such as the 2008 economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic?The methodology employed involves qualitative content analysis of articles, policy and planning documents, as well as semi-structured interviews with key informants, experts, and coworking operators. Site visits to CWS in Lisbon were also conducted. Additionally, a georeferenced database of CWS was built to allow spatial analysis of their development and distribution across the city.The findings demonstrate that CWS in Lisbon have experienced significant growth since the economic crisis, resulting in diverse spaces, operators, sectors, and practices. Local government strategies have a major role in their development by fostering a creative and entrepreneurial ecosystem which involve collaborations among public and private entities. CWS are mainly located in areas with high demand for office spaces near transportation hubs. However, CWS oriented towards cultural and creative activities tend to be found in undergoing regeneration areas. Further studies are needed to fully comprehend the evolving practices and their long-term impacts on the local context and to explore other variables and realities.The results of this study aim to contribute to a better understanding of development and location factors of CWS on specific urban areas, providing insights for urban planning and development

Discussing impact assessment on creative tourism: A theoretical and analytical model

Over the last decades, tourism has experienced exponential growth, expansion and diversification, being considered one of the most important socio-economic sectors, an essential source of income and employment for many territories (e.g. Bellini et al. 2017; Romão and Nijkamp 2017; Weidenfeld 2018). In response to the concerns about the negative impacts of tourism and to improve the relationship between hosts and tourists, culture-based creativity is seen as a path to create competitive advantages and improve more sustainable practices in the tourism field. Therefore, many cities and regions have sought to reinvent themselves as creative tourist destinations, by encouraging synergies between tourism and the cultural and creative activities to foster the development of new products, experiences and markets (Delisle and Jolin 2007; Duxbury and Richards 2019; Richards and Wilson 2007). Despite the high attractiveness of large capitals and metropolises, small towns and rural areas can also benefit from the growth of tourist flows and the demand for less overcrowded tourist destinations. Alternatively, they can offer interactive, small-scale, unique and tailor-made experiences based on local culture, lifestyles, and values thus generating potential positive impacts on these communities (Richards and Duif 2018; Wisansing and Vongvisitsin 2019). In the discussion of tourism development models, sustainability has become an unavoidable frame of reference, introducing cultural, social and environmental concerns, in addition to the analysis of economic issues. In this vein, we consider the integration of culture as a fundamental dimension of the analysis, together and in interrelation with the economic, social and environmental dimensions. Although the impact assessment exercises have focused on predominantly economic indicators, there is an increasing number of methods that can determine and monitor more accurately the multiple links and impacts of tourist activities in local communities, and also address sustainability issues. This paper has the objective of review the main theoretical and methodological approaches about impact assessment, to develop a comprehensive and operational framework capable of contributing to a better understanding the multifaced nature of creative tourism and their diverse impacts to support the formulation of policies for the sector and according to each context.FCT; FEDE

Transforming work environments: Unveiling the dynamics and impacts of coworking spaces

This thematic dossier presented in issue 46 of CIDADES, Comunidades e Territórios is the outcome of extensive research focusing on the global emergence and evolution of new working spaces driven by technological advancements and transformations in the world of work, such as the rise of non-standard employment forms and increased flexibility in work arrangements. These spaces, mainly under the large umbrella of the ‘coworking’ designation, have arisen mostly as a response to the need for accom..

Estudo do efeito do regime hídrico e da fertilização azotada na qualidade tecnológica do trigo mole

Em regiões de clima mediterrânico, há uma sobreposição das variáveis climáticas chave com as fases críticas do ciclo de desenvolvimento do trigo. Adicionalmente, as alterações climáticas têm contribuído para acentuar a irregularidade sazonal e inter-anual da temperatura e precipitação, características do clima mediterrânico. As consequências desta variabilidade climática na produção de trigo fazem-se sentir ao nível do seu ciclo de desenvolvimento e da sua produtividade. As respostas produtivas do trigo à disponibilidade de água e azoto variam largamente para diferentes condições agro-ambientais e os hiatos de rendimento da cultura podem ser suplantados em função de fatores técnicos, ambientais ou económicos. Desta forma, estratégias de adaptação baseadas na rega e na fertilização podem constituir ferramentas para fazer face aos impactos negativos da mudança climática