Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
development effort needs to be concentrated, not dispersed. At least one of the new
sectors should have a high profile, not simply to symbolize the new economy or
society, but to act as a catalyst for related growth. An example may be provided by
the success of the Guggenheim Museum in the redevelopment of the obsolescent,
polluted, heavy industrial city of Bilboa (Azua 2006 ). The success of the museum
has not simply been in attracting visitors to its own exhibits and unique design or
adding knowledgeable art experts to its workforce, or in leading to the upgrading
of surrounding hotels, restaurants and stores. Rather, its success lies in the fact the
museum has lots of space for other exhibitions, not only those with an international
profile, but those that provide a focus for the positive elements of Basque identity
and creativity, rather than the violent approach of the political separatists. Hence the
museum is not only a symbol but has helped the city recreate its own regional pro-
file, developing as a new focus for a regional identity (perhaps a 'national' identity
for many Basques) within a federal Spain. This replaced its old role as an interna-
tional exporter of steel and other manufactured goods that now could be produced
more cheaply elsewhere. In the Capital Inventory model the success of the museum
can be seen as an example of the importance of creating a specific and positive
identity for the city in the referential sector, just as buildings as diverse as the Eiffel
Tower, Empire State Building or Sydney Opera House grew to be internationally
known and positive symbols of their cities. A related referential image can be seen
in the increasingly determined efforts of many cities to brand themselves to create
a distinctive profile that emphasizes their advantages and unique features, in view
of the increased competition between cities for new businesses and tourists (Dinnie
2011 ; Baker 2012 ).
11.7.4
Specific Implementation Measures
Given the very different histories, sites, capital assets and problems of cities, it is
not surprising that there is no single approach that provides a path to successfully
implementing knowledge-based development in urban areas. In addition, it is rec-
ognized that the greatest success is usually achieved in economies that are mixed,
with a range of businesses sizes, and with economic activities that spread their ef-
fect across many economic and social sectors, rather than being restricted to a single
industry, because if this fails there is nothing to replace it. This mixed economy
character should be a general aim of development. This approach avoids the type of
separate silo focus that has characterised the production of many goods and services
in cities, most of which have limited life-cycles. Hence, sustainable economic suc-
cess is more likely to occur by increasing the capacity and quality for future learn-
ing and knowledge development within the city environment and beyond a single
industry, in addition to infra-structure investment and to the various intangible and
indirect soft factors described earlier. Although all the issues identified in the Capi-
tal Inventory System need to be addressed, reviews of knowledge-based develop-
ment have identified a number of key policies that seem essential for success, which
can be related to the capital system model outlined in Fig. 11.2 .
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