Resource information
In a globalizing world, cities at or
near the apex of the international urban hierarchy are among
the favored few--New York, London, and Tokyo--that have
acquired large economic, cultural, and symbolic roles. Among
a handful of regions that aspire to such a role--such as
Hong Kong, Miami, and Sao Paulo--Shanghai has reasonable
long-term prospects. If the Chinese economy can sustain its
growth rate, it will rival the United States in a few
decades. And if Shanghai can sustain its preeminence in
China, it is the Asian city most likely to become a global
center. The authors explore the makings of a world city,
identify ingredients essential for that status, indicate
national and municipal policies that may set Shanghai on the
path to being a global city, and show how such policies are
being implemented. As urbanization continues, the authors
say, and as information technology and finance-related
service activities take on even more importance, the number
of regional and global centers could increase, but only if
they satisfy some exacting requirements. Shanghai's
chances, for example, depend on the extent to which China
opens up and on a host of municipal policies--policies that
emphasize Shanghai's industrial strength, substantially
enlarge its base of information technology and producer
services, ensure an adequate supply of skills, expand
available housing and infrastructure enough to meet demand,
and improve the quality of life.
