Polycentric urban networks revolutionize regional economic development and spatial planning.
The article explores how cities are changing from single centers to multiple interconnected areas, forming urban networks. These networks lack a clear hierarchy and have different economic focuses in each city. The researchers aim to understand if these polycentric urban regions are more efficient than traditional single-center cities. They question if the relationships between cities in these networks are cooperative rather than competitive. The study will investigate how regions are becoming more interconnected and if this new urban structure leads to better economic outcomes.