An evaluative model for city competitiveness: Application to UK cities

. [Display omitted] ► A hierarchical model for city competitiveness integrates regeneration and property-led business strategies. ► A Delphi technique and analytic hierarchy process with multi-criteria analysis is employed. ► The competitiveness performance of selected cities in the UK is evaluated using the hierarchical model. Progressive cities have competitive advantages in capturing opportunities for development and attracting leading edge business. Regeneration and business strategies are amongst the tools that cities may employ in order to overcome the challenges that influence their competitiveness. However, there has been little research that links these themes. This paper integrates regeneration and property-led business strategies through the development of a hierarchical model for city competitiveness. The methodology employs a Delphi technique and analytic hierarchy process with multi-criteria analysis. The model is used to evaluate the competitiveness performance of four cities in the UK drawing conclusions on the synergy of regeneration and business strategies in promoting city competitiveness.