Playing from strength

Breaking down the complex functions of cities and their markets in this way makes it possible to understand better the market power of cities - and also to suggest appropriate strategies for promoting that power. Three classes of central cities are identified: global, national, and regional. Each classification is based on a particular city's unique relationship to world markets, the national economy and local or regional market activity. Three market types (based on their performance relative to the national market average) that are generally found in central cities are identified: supercharged, vibrant, and emerging. An individual city may contain all three markets, and any type of market can exist in any level of city. Breaking down the complex functions of cities and their markets in this way makes it possible to understand better the market power of cities - and also to suggest appropriate strategies for promoting that power.