Governance in Port City Regions

Abstract

Port city regions are complex territories where multiscalar markets and globalizing value chains overlap with urban and rural needs and interests. At times and in places where all these interests are aligned, port city regions emerge as strong economic, political and cultural centers that facilitate trade and travel. The ongoing fragmentation and transformation of port territories, governance systems and flexible coalitions of actors in different power positions, influences localities within cities and beyond. Port expansion, river dredging, but also different types of waterfront renewal depend on complex governance systems involving a diverse group of stakeholders. Contrasting visions among the various stakeholders in port city regions require careful assessment and new solutions to overcome barriers and to align the goals of all partners.
This is particularly important at the current time when multiple transitions - social, technical, energy - are in play. This special issue calls for papers that take a holistic approach and help identify and analyze port-city-region themes such as a governance from an multi-disciplinary perspective.