Knowledge in a “Shared and Interdependent World”: Implications for a Progressive Leadership of Cities and Regions

Abstract

This paper suggests the need for a more penetrating research agenda around the theme of leadership for progressive urban and regional change. While a much improved understanding of the leadership contribution is emerging in the urban and regional studies context, no strong organizing discourse has yet surfaced in the debate around the leadership of cities and regions that might serve as a guide to the development of a more critical research and leadership development agenda going forward. This paper seeks to contribute to debate around theory and practice by exploring the idea that it is knowledge “writ large”—how it is created, developed, combined and deployed—that lies at the heart of a progressive transformation of cities and regions. And that consequently, we need to think of how leadership works in, for and through these settings alongside a broader understanding of the dynamics of knowledge. The paper draws on recent research and policy literature to present an argument for a re-framed leadership practice across European cities and regions and concludes with suggestions for a new combined and underpinning research agenda.