Against the backdrop of today?s climate of economic globalization and the rapid development of information, this timely book explores the complex concept of competitiveness between cities. The expert contributors illustrate that innovation is a prerequisite for increasing urban competitiveness, and highlight the various ways that urban innovation-based competitiveness can be approached. Themes explored include:? industrial clusters? competitiveness between major cities ? local policy and competition enhancement? governance to combat global climate change? innovation in urban policy and collaboration between cities? cluster theory and cluster-based economic development policy ? the strategic shift towards domestic markets and service enhancement.Scholars and policymakers in the fields of economics, public sector economics, innovation, technology and urban competitiveness will find this book to be an enlightening read.