Scaling-down and scaling-up processes of territorial governance: cities and regions facing institutional reform and planning challenges

European territorial governance is undergoing significant rescaling, with cities increasingly engaged in large-scale processes that transcend local boundaries. This study reveals contradictory trends where federalism drives decentralization, while policy integration at variable scales persists, creating a complex interplay of competencies, powers, and resources. Focusing on three Northern Italian cities—Bolzano-Bozen, Trento, and Verona—the research analyzes how these urban centers navigate multi-level governance challenges, particularly in strategic planning, spatial planning, and infrastructure management. The findings highlight the need for regional or upper-scale agencies to facilitate cooperation while addressing institutional reforms. This work offers generalizable insights into the dynamics of territorial governance in a European context.

Zanon, B. (2013). Scaling-down and scaling-up processes of territorial governance: cities and regions facing institutional reform and planning challenges. Urban Research & Practice, 6(1), 19–39. https://doi.org/10.1080/17535069.2012.762209