Global changes - new urban realities : University of Basel's contribution to the study of contemporary urban and regional development

Global economic restructuring, the creation of a knowledge economy and the trend towards sustainability and social inclusion alter the course of local urban and regional development processes, institutions and policies. In shaping policy responses for building up competitive cities and regions in developed countries or for improved governance of uncontrollable cities in emerging economies and developing countries, local and regional policy-makers are embracing regionalization/city-regionalism and are changing administrative and governance structures at the national, regional, sub-regional and local levels. Such inter-related developments are challenges that demand an increased capacity for analysis, strategic planning and policy-making related to local urban and regional development. The article presents the approaches towards the study of urban and regional development characterizing Human Geography at Basel University, as well as its emphasis on professional training in these areas of specialization.