Competitiveness and Creative Cities: Technologies of Neoliberal Urbanization in Perspective

This chapter examines the role of technologies of neoliberal urbanization in reproducing new urban spaces that are oriented towards securing a competitive edge. As such, this chapter explores questions about how urban technologies influence the parameters of the reproduction of city spaces and which social representations, actors and networks are involved the process. This chapter contends that competitiveness is not limited to the realm of economics. It also contends that in neoliberal times, “new technologies of power” enable the creation of more polycentric urban areas. These emerging technologies and applications necessitate an analysis of their place in mobilizing low urban politics. This analysis should be attuned to nuanced articulations of public interests and private initiatives that are enriched by representations of the spatial realities of cities. We are more likely to realize the importance of urban technologies and “street level” everyday urban practices if, rather than treating them as divorced from each other, we ontologically recognize their marriage. Such an approach will help to better diagnose the role that technologies play in moving beyond dualities like public and private.