Spatial scales, urban regions and the role of the state: Challenges to contemporary development strategies

Resumen

The fast course of urbanization and technological changes occurred throughout the last decades is creating a new geography of power in the world, in which large cities and regions gain increasing importance at global economic level. The paper examines those transformations, arguing that the focus on urban spaces does not necessarily mean that national states are disappearing like political actors. Not even public sector becomes less relevant implementing and coordinating development efforts. Despite all changes, they remain – actually among other political spheres - a foundational support for multi-scale regional policies, hence giving sustainability to local growth strategies.