Nature of world cities
World cities are a product of economic and cultural globalisation. The transnational forces that drive the global economy also concentrate power within certain cities. Furthermore, the cultural homogenisation that is associated with globalisation creates cities with tightly linked networks or people, transport, ideas and capital.
The cities that are most closely intertwined act as nodes and sites of control in the global economy, these are the world cities.
The cities that are most closely intertwined act as nodes and sites of control in the global economy, these are the world cities.
Character of World Cities
World cities have duel character as centres of economic and cultural authority. As a result of these roles world cities often have a high percentage of tertiary sector employees.
Economic Authority
World cities are the command and control nodes in the global economy. This role is achieved by housing the head quarters for the world's TransNational Corporations. Additionally, political head quarters are frequently housed in these cities.
They act as centres for business services, such as advertising, legal advice and banking. They also act as leaving sites for commodities markets.
Cultural Authority
They are sites of prestigious and distinctive lifestyle. This is often associated with outstanding educational, medical and research facilities.
The have transport networks which make these cities well connected.
Lastly, these cities how a wide range of tourist attractions and have the infrastructure to host major sporting and entertainment events.
Economic Authority
World cities are the command and control nodes in the global economy. This role is achieved by housing the head quarters for the world's TransNational Corporations. Additionally, political head quarters are frequently housed in these cities.
They act as centres for business services, such as advertising, legal advice and banking. They also act as leaving sites for commodities markets.
Cultural Authority
They are sites of prestigious and distinctive lifestyle. This is often associated with outstanding educational, medical and research facilities.
The have transport networks which make these cities well connected.
Lastly, these cities how a wide range of tourist attractions and have the infrastructure to host major sporting and entertainment events.
Spatial Patterns of World Cities
There are various measures of world cities. One is the AT Kearny global city index which ranks cities according to a range of 5 factors. New York and London are both dominant world cities.
World cities have largely been located in North America and Western Europe, however, there is increasing global activity in Asia and South America. The power of Chinese cities has increased rapidly over the last decade.
The Globalisation and World Cities (GaWC) research network ranks cities as alpha and beta cities.
World cities have largely been located in North America and Western Europe, however, there is increasing global activity in Asia and South America. The power of Chinese cities has increased rapidly over the last decade.
The Globalisation and World Cities (GaWC) research network ranks cities as alpha and beta cities.
World cities are arranged into three main hubs, with secondary world cities interacting with a dominant world city. This arrangement allows for 24 trading of commodities.
