I am an Emeritus Professor of Urban Management at the University of Canberra and a director of a small Australian company, Urban Frontiers, based in Brisbane. I have had over 45 years of experience, in 35 countries, as a professional planner, project manager, academic researcher and teacher, and adviser on urban and regional planning, economic development and management, public sector reform, business and land administration, and management. He is the author, co-author, or editor of many books, reports, and papers, including lead author on chapters on the economy of cities for two UN-Habitat World Cities Reports; State of Asia, and State Sri Lankan Cities reports, and Urbanization Strategies for Asia and Pacific Region for UNDP and APEC. Professor Roberts is the author/co-author of the books Managing Systems of Secondary Cities; Urbanization and Sustainability of Cities in Asia, The Competitiveness of Cities in the 21st Century, and a textbook on Regional Economic Development: Analysis and Planning Strategy textbook. He holds a PhD and is an Honorary Ambassador for the Australian Capital Territory Government. He was Chair of the ACT Committee for Sustainability and a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia.
CEPA strategy guidance note on Strengthening urban governance, 2023
The United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) has developed a set of pr... more The United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) has developed a set of principles of effective governance for sustainable development. The essential purpose of these voluntary principles is to provide interested countries with practical, expert guidance on a broad range of governance challenges associated with the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. CEPA has identified 62 commonly used strategies to assist with the operationalization of these principles. This guidance note addresses strengthening urban governance, which is associated with the principle of subsidiarity and can contribute to strengthening the inclusiveness of institutions. It is part of a series of notes prepared by renowned experts under the overall direction of the CEPA Secretariat in the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Funding for the sub-series on the principle of subsidiarity was generously provided by the United Nations Project Office on Governance. In reading this guidance note, individuals in government ministries and agencies who are less familiar with the topic will be able to understand the fundamentals. Those who have perhaps taken initial steps in this area with limited follow-through or impact will be able to identify how to adjust elements of their practice to achieve better results and to better embed and institutionalize the strategy in their organizations. Those who are more advanced in strengthening urban governance will be able to recognize the practices that contribute to its success.
The Asia-Pacific region is home to over 4.5 billion people. The region continues to exhibit stron... more The Asia-Pacific region is home to over 4.5 billion people. The region continues to exhibit strong economic growth, challenging the way cities, communities and regions are managed for a sustainable economic, social, cultural and environmental future. This paper provides an overview of the evolution of collaborative urban governance, which is of increasing interest to governments worldwide in helping to improve the development, operation and management of cities. The paper provides strong evidence that traditional forms of urban governance, based on formalised structures and institutional arrangements, are not performing well. The challenge of silo mentalities in many public agencies, organisations and institutions, is resulting in a ‘culture’ associated with a general lack of trust, cooperation and information sharing. Extensive duplication of effort in the processes of government, resource wastage, a reluctance to innovate, a risk averse and secrecy governance culture, and resistance to change management feature strongly. The paper highlights the inefficiencies of current urban governance systems that result in lost opportunities to leverage resources and capital, and increase transaction costs to business and governments in cities. The poor are marginalised and their interests excluded, while other important groups and commercial interests are unable to participate in and contribute to the sustainable development of cities. The paper utilises case studies and assessment tools to highlight how collaborative urban governance is a way forward for The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) agenda to improve the management and development of cities in the region. In doing so, it makes a significant contribution to the post-Rio+20 sustainable development framework and Habitat III.
This tool kit provides a framework and tools for conducting rapid assessments of city economies t... more This tool kit provides a framework and tools for conducting rapid assessments of city economies to prepare city economic development plans (CEDPs) in Asian cities. An analytical framework is presented, which guides the reader through a series of steps for three analytical and assessment processes. These are designed to prepare economic profiles; evaluate future economic development options and pathways; and prepare strategies, action plans, and prioritize investment activities in support of city economic development. The steps in each process are linked to tools that assist the user in collecting and analyzing data and information for a range of studies, and they are also linked to assessment techniques used to prepare a CEDP and related plans. Many of these tools refer to websites where one can find more detailed manuals, guidelines, references, case studies, and video presentations for conducting planning, development, and assessment studies on local economic development. The tool...
Secondary cities are a subject of renewed interest to international development organizations and... more Secondary cities are a subject of renewed interest to international development organizations and finance agencies. Secondary cities vary in size from a few hundred thousand to over five million in countries like China. Cities Alliance is currently undertaking an investigation for a book on systems of secondary cities and the role they play in supporting the development of regions and countries. The paper presents research by the authors which investigates trends, influences, and challenges, including the forces of New Economic Geography facing the development of secondary cities in the development of regions using a systems analysis approach. This paper draws on the findings of 16 case studies examining systems of cities and has a particular focus on urban land governance systems. The paper outlines how some aspects of urban land governance systems can be improved to support the development of secondary cities, drawing on the learning experience gained from the case studies. The pa...
New Global Cities in Latin America and Asia: Welcome to the Twenty-First Century, 2022
The term secondary city is commonly used to describe a level of urban settlement below the primat... more The term secondary city is commonly used to describe a level of urban settlement below the primate or primary city. 1 Although population size still has a considerable influence on the importance and classification of secondary cities, recent studies point the need for a redefinition of the term, merging the traditional hierarchical definition with a systems and functional approach to city classification (Roberts 2014). Worldwide, there are over 4,000 secondary cities, ranging in size from 100,000 to 500,000 people (UN-Habitat 1996), and in the case of China, to 3 million people. 2 Secondary cities are an important intermediary level of urban settlement within the city system. Collectively, secondary cities contain about 1.3 billion people or 16.5% of the world's population. The largest numbers of secondary cities are in Asia (Roberts 2014). The performance of national and global economies depends on a wellfunctioning system of secondary cities. Through these cities pass many of the resources, goods, and services needed in large cities and rural and
For regions to maintain competitive advantage in future local business and government need to cap... more For regions to maintain competitive advantage in future local business and government need to capitalise, reinvent, and build upon core competencies. They also need to develop strategic architecture that enables local businesses and government to constantly reposition the region to develop and capture new business in global and national markets. Strategic Architecture is the unique combination of infrastructure, technologies, knowledge, human capital and natural resources that regions develop to support key industries to develop and trade in highly competitive domestic and international markets. Regions that have successfully cultivated competitive strategic architecture have a consistent record of economic success. For the FNQ economy to remain successful, local business, government andthe local community will need to work out ways to enhance regional competitiveness. The FNQ region has many strategic advantages in terms of location to Asian markets, communications, resources, environment and quality of life. These will not be sufficient to maintain competitive advantage in future. Future competitiveness will depend upon the region maintaining its competencies, the quality of assets, business efficiency; the management of risk and uniqueness of products and services offered to investors, developers and visitors. These features are called 'value factors' and they are important to the future economic competitiveness of the region. Understanding, quantifying and monitoring these value factors is important for long term strategic planning, infrastructure and business development in the region. Much of this book is concerned with measuring value factors that contribute to the competitiveness of the FNQ economy. An extensive survey of 206 industries, focus groups and discussions with key decision makers have been used to quantify value factors that are important to the development of the economy. These factors will become the benchmarks, which will be used for the ongoing monitoring of economic activity, the formulation of economic strategies and new initiatives to support the development of the region’s economy.
Secondary Cities Post Covid 19: Achieving Urban Sustainable and Regenerative Development in Emerging Economies, 2021
Secondary cities comprise over 16% of the world's population. They play an important role in the ... more Secondary cities comprise over 16% of the world's population. They play an important role in the development and operations of countries as intermediary hubs and logistics centres within national industry supply chains and production systems. They serve around 22% of the world's population living in metropolitan regions and 62% of those in smaller regional cities, towns and rural areas. As such, they have a key role to play in supporting post-COVID-19 recovery efforts. Secondary cities have, until recent years, been a neglected area of public policy and investment, especially in emerging economies. This book includes a series of vignettes presented as chapters by authors with significant knowledge and experience of disaster recovery. It provides different perspectives on what can be done to support the sustainable and regenerative development of secondary cities in developing countries post COVID-19 do to support the sustainable and regenerative development of secondary cities in developing countries post COVID-19. These perspectives cover topics in economic and community development, infrastructure, finance, local government, logistics and governance. The book provides policy and planning recommendations, as well as practical initiatives and approaches that secondary cities can use. The book is intended for leaders and policymakers responsible for the development of secondary cities, but it will be of interest to other readers involved in urban and regional development recovery efforts post-COVID-19.
CONNECTING SYSTEMS OF SECONDARY CITIE: How Soft and Hard Infrastructure Can Foster Equitable Economic Growth among Secondary Cities, 2019
Systems of secondary cities play a vital intermediary role as economic, administrative and logist... more Systems of secondary cities play a vital intermediary role as economic, administrative and logistics hubs within national and global systems of cities. They have three basic spatial typologies: regional hubs, metropolitan clusters, and corridors. The pattern, rate of development, and role of systems of secondary cities are changing rapidly in response to urbanization, globalization, structural economic change, new technologies, and the rapid development of transport and communications systems. These changes have resulted in a growing gap and inequities in sub-national regional economic development, income, wealth, investment, and employment opportunities within systems of secondary cities. Closing the gap has become a significant challenge for governments. Much of the literature on the development of secondary cities tended to focus on enhancing the competitiveness of infrastructure, industry clusters, and enabling environments; however, there has been a tendency to overlook the importance of external factors: connectivity, networks, and collaboration, which significantly affect the performance of systems of secondary cities. This book seeks to address this knowledge gap. It examines ways secondary cities can work more collaboratively to improve their development prospects, lift prosperity, and leverage public resources to support equitable and sustainable sub-national economic growth and development. It outlines ways governments and other stakeholders within systems of secondary cities can invest strategically in public goods and services, improve connectivity, develop networks, and leverage common user facilities, infrastructure, and resources at different geographic levels to support inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development.
This report explores the ways cities in the region are supporting partnerships for sustainable de... more This report explores the ways cities in the region are supporting partnerships for sustainable development. It documents the state of urban systems and the lessons gained from the development of cities and urban corridors using case studies. The 14 case studies assess economic, physical development, social and environmental management, and urban governance systems. The case studies include secondary cities, metropolitan regions, and regional economic trade development corridors.
The report builds upon previous research by APEC on shaping the future partnership for urbanization and sustainable city development between member economies. The report presents a framework for an initiative by APEC member economies for Building Better Partnerships for Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Growth of Cities in the Region.
This paper explores the dynamics of change and development in rural-urban environments. Urbanizat... more This paper explores the dynamics of change and development in rural-urban environments. Urbanization in the context of rural and regional environments can be grouped into two categories: rural urbanization and rurbanization. Rural urbanization is a product of a range of push and pull-factors that result in people from rural-regional areas moving to cities and small and intermediate towns. Many have little choice but to live in small scattered urban settlements in peri-urban areas of cities and towns, or along urban transportation corridors. Rurbanization is a counter-cyclical process to rural urbanization, comprising a small but increasing flow of urban wealthy and diaspora who are buying back and developing in predominantly rural regional towns. This paper commences with a series of definitions that set the context for the discussion of the dynamics and chance in the geography and function of small and intermediate towns. It discusses some current and emerging factors driving people from the land to Small and intermediary towns. Factors like expatriate, foreign and company land grabs and purchases, technological changes in agriculture production, logistics, quality assurance and markets; rural debt, impacts of remittances on local economies; climate change impacts, and the dynamics of labour markets are transforming the landscapes of rural areas in all countries. Small and intermediary cities offer opportunities for subsistence living for a growing marginalized population in the transition from rural to urban living. How to manage development these towns, which are the front line of rural-urban migration, in rapidly urbanizing economies is proving to challenge. Many are becoming poverty traps for people leaving the land either by choice or force. Most cannot go back, nor do not have the capacity or desire to migrate to larger cities. The paper will explore what national and local governments policy responses could be to improve the sustainability of rural urbanization and development in small and intermediate towns, with a focus on developing economies.
The Asia-Pacific region is home to over 4.5 billion people. The region continues to exhibit stron... more The Asia-Pacific region is home to over 4.5 billion people. The region continues to exhibit strong economic growth, challenging the way cities, communities and regions are managed for a sustainable economic, social, cultural and environmental future. This paper provides an overview of the evolution of collaborative urban governance, which is of increasing interest to governments worldwide in helping to improve the development, operation and management of cities. The paper provides strong evidence that traditional forms of urban governance, based on formalised structures and institutional arrangements, are not performing well. The challenge of silo mentalities in many public agencies, organisations and institutions, is resulting in a ‘culture’ associated with a general lack of trust, cooperation and information sharing. Extensive duplication of effort in the processes of government, resource wastage, a reluctance to innovate, a risk averse and secrecy governance culture, and resistance to change management feature strongly. The paper highlights the inefficiencies of current urban governance systems that result in lost opportunities to leverage resources and capital, and increase transaction costs to business and governments in cities. The poor are marginalised and their interests excluded, while other important groups and commercial interests are unable to participate in and contribute to the sustainable development of cities. The paper utilises case studies and assessment tools to highlight how collaborative urban governance is a way forward for The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) agenda to improve the management and development of cities in the region. In doing so, it makes a significant contribution to the post-Rio+20 sustainable development framework and Habitat III.
AsiaÊs future is urban. It is in developing sustainable cities. Urbanization is both driven by an... more AsiaÊs future is urban. It is in developing sustainable cities. Urbanization is both driven by and supports economic growth. The economy of the PRC is doubling in size every 10 years; India is doubling in size every 13 years. The spatial patterns of land use in Asia are changing rapidly with growing con-centrations of people and economic activity. Over the next 25 years to 2030, AsiaÊs urban population is set to increase by about 1,100 million people or 70%. While the precise figures of urban and economic growth may be debat-able, the scale of the transformation makes any imprecision irrelevant. The challenge for urban governance in Asia is to accommodate rapidly increasing populations while facilitating improvements in the welfare of cit-iesÊ inhabitants·raising living standards, services, and urban amenity over time. A particular challenge is to manage effectively the envelopment of rural areas on the rapidly expanding periphery of cities while developing synergies between urban a...
CEPA strategy guidance note on Strengthening urban governance, 2023
The United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) has developed a set of pr... more The United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) has developed a set of principles of effective governance for sustainable development. The essential purpose of these voluntary principles is to provide interested countries with practical, expert guidance on a broad range of governance challenges associated with the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. CEPA has identified 62 commonly used strategies to assist with the operationalization of these principles. This guidance note addresses strengthening urban governance, which is associated with the principle of subsidiarity and can contribute to strengthening the inclusiveness of institutions. It is part of a series of notes prepared by renowned experts under the overall direction of the CEPA Secretariat in the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Funding for the sub-series on the principle of subsidiarity was generously provided by the United Nations Project Office on Governance. In reading this guidance note, individuals in government ministries and agencies who are less familiar with the topic will be able to understand the fundamentals. Those who have perhaps taken initial steps in this area with limited follow-through or impact will be able to identify how to adjust elements of their practice to achieve better results and to better embed and institutionalize the strategy in their organizations. Those who are more advanced in strengthening urban governance will be able to recognize the practices that contribute to its success.
The Asia-Pacific region is home to over 4.5 billion people. The region continues to exhibit stron... more The Asia-Pacific region is home to over 4.5 billion people. The region continues to exhibit strong economic growth, challenging the way cities, communities and regions are managed for a sustainable economic, social, cultural and environmental future. This paper provides an overview of the evolution of collaborative urban governance, which is of increasing interest to governments worldwide in helping to improve the development, operation and management of cities. The paper provides strong evidence that traditional forms of urban governance, based on formalised structures and institutional arrangements, are not performing well. The challenge of silo mentalities in many public agencies, organisations and institutions, is resulting in a ‘culture’ associated with a general lack of trust, cooperation and information sharing. Extensive duplication of effort in the processes of government, resource wastage, a reluctance to innovate, a risk averse and secrecy governance culture, and resistance to change management feature strongly. The paper highlights the inefficiencies of current urban governance systems that result in lost opportunities to leverage resources and capital, and increase transaction costs to business and governments in cities. The poor are marginalised and their interests excluded, while other important groups and commercial interests are unable to participate in and contribute to the sustainable development of cities. The paper utilises case studies and assessment tools to highlight how collaborative urban governance is a way forward for The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) agenda to improve the management and development of cities in the region. In doing so, it makes a significant contribution to the post-Rio+20 sustainable development framework and Habitat III.
This tool kit provides a framework and tools for conducting rapid assessments of city economies t... more This tool kit provides a framework and tools for conducting rapid assessments of city economies to prepare city economic development plans (CEDPs) in Asian cities. An analytical framework is presented, which guides the reader through a series of steps for three analytical and assessment processes. These are designed to prepare economic profiles; evaluate future economic development options and pathways; and prepare strategies, action plans, and prioritize investment activities in support of city economic development. The steps in each process are linked to tools that assist the user in collecting and analyzing data and information for a range of studies, and they are also linked to assessment techniques used to prepare a CEDP and related plans. Many of these tools refer to websites where one can find more detailed manuals, guidelines, references, case studies, and video presentations for conducting planning, development, and assessment studies on local economic development. The tool...
Secondary cities are a subject of renewed interest to international development organizations and... more Secondary cities are a subject of renewed interest to international development organizations and finance agencies. Secondary cities vary in size from a few hundred thousand to over five million in countries like China. Cities Alliance is currently undertaking an investigation for a book on systems of secondary cities and the role they play in supporting the development of regions and countries. The paper presents research by the authors which investigates trends, influences, and challenges, including the forces of New Economic Geography facing the development of secondary cities in the development of regions using a systems analysis approach. This paper draws on the findings of 16 case studies examining systems of cities and has a particular focus on urban land governance systems. The paper outlines how some aspects of urban land governance systems can be improved to support the development of secondary cities, drawing on the learning experience gained from the case studies. The pa...
New Global Cities in Latin America and Asia: Welcome to the Twenty-First Century, 2022
The term secondary city is commonly used to describe a level of urban settlement below the primat... more The term secondary city is commonly used to describe a level of urban settlement below the primate or primary city. 1 Although population size still has a considerable influence on the importance and classification of secondary cities, recent studies point the need for a redefinition of the term, merging the traditional hierarchical definition with a systems and functional approach to city classification (Roberts 2014). Worldwide, there are over 4,000 secondary cities, ranging in size from 100,000 to 500,000 people (UN-Habitat 1996), and in the case of China, to 3 million people. 2 Secondary cities are an important intermediary level of urban settlement within the city system. Collectively, secondary cities contain about 1.3 billion people or 16.5% of the world's population. The largest numbers of secondary cities are in Asia (Roberts 2014). The performance of national and global economies depends on a wellfunctioning system of secondary cities. Through these cities pass many of the resources, goods, and services needed in large cities and rural and
For regions to maintain competitive advantage in future local business and government need to cap... more For regions to maintain competitive advantage in future local business and government need to capitalise, reinvent, and build upon core competencies. They also need to develop strategic architecture that enables local businesses and government to constantly reposition the region to develop and capture new business in global and national markets. Strategic Architecture is the unique combination of infrastructure, technologies, knowledge, human capital and natural resources that regions develop to support key industries to develop and trade in highly competitive domestic and international markets. Regions that have successfully cultivated competitive strategic architecture have a consistent record of economic success. For the FNQ economy to remain successful, local business, government andthe local community will need to work out ways to enhance regional competitiveness. The FNQ region has many strategic advantages in terms of location to Asian markets, communications, resources, environment and quality of life. These will not be sufficient to maintain competitive advantage in future. Future competitiveness will depend upon the region maintaining its competencies, the quality of assets, business efficiency; the management of risk and uniqueness of products and services offered to investors, developers and visitors. These features are called 'value factors' and they are important to the future economic competitiveness of the region. Understanding, quantifying and monitoring these value factors is important for long term strategic planning, infrastructure and business development in the region. Much of this book is concerned with measuring value factors that contribute to the competitiveness of the FNQ economy. An extensive survey of 206 industries, focus groups and discussions with key decision makers have been used to quantify value factors that are important to the development of the economy. These factors will become the benchmarks, which will be used for the ongoing monitoring of economic activity, the formulation of economic strategies and new initiatives to support the development of the region’s economy.
Secondary Cities Post Covid 19: Achieving Urban Sustainable and Regenerative Development in Emerging Economies, 2021
Secondary cities comprise over 16% of the world's population. They play an important role in the ... more Secondary cities comprise over 16% of the world's population. They play an important role in the development and operations of countries as intermediary hubs and logistics centres within national industry supply chains and production systems. They serve around 22% of the world's population living in metropolitan regions and 62% of those in smaller regional cities, towns and rural areas. As such, they have a key role to play in supporting post-COVID-19 recovery efforts. Secondary cities have, until recent years, been a neglected area of public policy and investment, especially in emerging economies. This book includes a series of vignettes presented as chapters by authors with significant knowledge and experience of disaster recovery. It provides different perspectives on what can be done to support the sustainable and regenerative development of secondary cities in developing countries post COVID-19 do to support the sustainable and regenerative development of secondary cities in developing countries post COVID-19. These perspectives cover topics in economic and community development, infrastructure, finance, local government, logistics and governance. The book provides policy and planning recommendations, as well as practical initiatives and approaches that secondary cities can use. The book is intended for leaders and policymakers responsible for the development of secondary cities, but it will be of interest to other readers involved in urban and regional development recovery efforts post-COVID-19.
CONNECTING SYSTEMS OF SECONDARY CITIE: How Soft and Hard Infrastructure Can Foster Equitable Economic Growth among Secondary Cities, 2019
Systems of secondary cities play a vital intermediary role as economic, administrative and logist... more Systems of secondary cities play a vital intermediary role as economic, administrative and logistics hubs within national and global systems of cities. They have three basic spatial typologies: regional hubs, metropolitan clusters, and corridors. The pattern, rate of development, and role of systems of secondary cities are changing rapidly in response to urbanization, globalization, structural economic change, new technologies, and the rapid development of transport and communications systems. These changes have resulted in a growing gap and inequities in sub-national regional economic development, income, wealth, investment, and employment opportunities within systems of secondary cities. Closing the gap has become a significant challenge for governments. Much of the literature on the development of secondary cities tended to focus on enhancing the competitiveness of infrastructure, industry clusters, and enabling environments; however, there has been a tendency to overlook the importance of external factors: connectivity, networks, and collaboration, which significantly affect the performance of systems of secondary cities. This book seeks to address this knowledge gap. It examines ways secondary cities can work more collaboratively to improve their development prospects, lift prosperity, and leverage public resources to support equitable and sustainable sub-national economic growth and development. It outlines ways governments and other stakeholders within systems of secondary cities can invest strategically in public goods and services, improve connectivity, develop networks, and leverage common user facilities, infrastructure, and resources at different geographic levels to support inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development.
This report explores the ways cities in the region are supporting partnerships for sustainable de... more This report explores the ways cities in the region are supporting partnerships for sustainable development. It documents the state of urban systems and the lessons gained from the development of cities and urban corridors using case studies. The 14 case studies assess economic, physical development, social and environmental management, and urban governance systems. The case studies include secondary cities, metropolitan regions, and regional economic trade development corridors.
The report builds upon previous research by APEC on shaping the future partnership for urbanization and sustainable city development between member economies. The report presents a framework for an initiative by APEC member economies for Building Better Partnerships for Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Growth of Cities in the Region.
This paper explores the dynamics of change and development in rural-urban environments. Urbanizat... more This paper explores the dynamics of change and development in rural-urban environments. Urbanization in the context of rural and regional environments can be grouped into two categories: rural urbanization and rurbanization. Rural urbanization is a product of a range of push and pull-factors that result in people from rural-regional areas moving to cities and small and intermediate towns. Many have little choice but to live in small scattered urban settlements in peri-urban areas of cities and towns, or along urban transportation corridors. Rurbanization is a counter-cyclical process to rural urbanization, comprising a small but increasing flow of urban wealthy and diaspora who are buying back and developing in predominantly rural regional towns. This paper commences with a series of definitions that set the context for the discussion of the dynamics and chance in the geography and function of small and intermediate towns. It discusses some current and emerging factors driving people from the land to Small and intermediary towns. Factors like expatriate, foreign and company land grabs and purchases, technological changes in agriculture production, logistics, quality assurance and markets; rural debt, impacts of remittances on local economies; climate change impacts, and the dynamics of labour markets are transforming the landscapes of rural areas in all countries. Small and intermediary cities offer opportunities for subsistence living for a growing marginalized population in the transition from rural to urban living. How to manage development these towns, which are the front line of rural-urban migration, in rapidly urbanizing economies is proving to challenge. Many are becoming poverty traps for people leaving the land either by choice or force. Most cannot go back, nor do not have the capacity or desire to migrate to larger cities. The paper will explore what national and local governments policy responses could be to improve the sustainability of rural urbanization and development in small and intermediate towns, with a focus on developing economies.
The Asia-Pacific region is home to over 4.5 billion people. The region continues to exhibit stron... more The Asia-Pacific region is home to over 4.5 billion people. The region continues to exhibit strong economic growth, challenging the way cities, communities and regions are managed for a sustainable economic, social, cultural and environmental future. This paper provides an overview of the evolution of collaborative urban governance, which is of increasing interest to governments worldwide in helping to improve the development, operation and management of cities. The paper provides strong evidence that traditional forms of urban governance, based on formalised structures and institutional arrangements, are not performing well. The challenge of silo mentalities in many public agencies, organisations and institutions, is resulting in a ‘culture’ associated with a general lack of trust, cooperation and information sharing. Extensive duplication of effort in the processes of government, resource wastage, a reluctance to innovate, a risk averse and secrecy governance culture, and resistance to change management feature strongly. The paper highlights the inefficiencies of current urban governance systems that result in lost opportunities to leverage resources and capital, and increase transaction costs to business and governments in cities. The poor are marginalised and their interests excluded, while other important groups and commercial interests are unable to participate in and contribute to the sustainable development of cities. The paper utilises case studies and assessment tools to highlight how collaborative urban governance is a way forward for The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) agenda to improve the management and development of cities in the region. In doing so, it makes a significant contribution to the post-Rio+20 sustainable development framework and Habitat III.
AsiaÊs future is urban. It is in developing sustainable cities. Urbanization is both driven by an... more AsiaÊs future is urban. It is in developing sustainable cities. Urbanization is both driven by and supports economic growth. The economy of the PRC is doubling in size every 10 years; India is doubling in size every 13 years. The spatial patterns of land use in Asia are changing rapidly with growing con-centrations of people and economic activity. Over the next 25 years to 2030, AsiaÊs urban population is set to increase by about 1,100 million people or 70%. While the precise figures of urban and economic growth may be debat-able, the scale of the transformation makes any imprecision irrelevant. The challenge for urban governance in Asia is to accommodate rapidly increasing populations while facilitating improvements in the welfare of cit-iesÊ inhabitants·raising living standards, services, and urban amenity over time. A particular challenge is to manage effectively the envelopment of rural areas on the rapidly expanding periphery of cities while developing synergies between urban a...
The third Industrial revolution will have a significant effect on the way we plan and develop ci... more The third Industrial revolution will have a significant effect on the way we plan and develop cities and regions. This powerpoint presentation outlines the scope of a research project funded by Urban Frontiers (www.urban frontiers.com.au) to investigate the dimensions and metrics of the third Industrial revolution and the implications for the planning ( land use, infrastructure, environmental, economic, social and governance) of cities and regions.
THE DYNAMICS OF SYSTEMS OF SECONDARY CITIES IN AFRICA: URBANISATION, MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT, 2022
Secondary systems of cities in Africa (SSCA) have become the subject of renewed interest by schol... more Secondary systems of cities in Africa (SSCA) have become the subject of renewed interest by scholars and international development organisations. This book explores the role played by secondary cities in the development of African countries and regions. It includes a review and discusses trends, influences, and challenges, including the forces of New Economic Geography, facing the development of secondary cities in Africa. Using a systems approach, it examines urban governance, economic, development, social, and environmental factors that have shaped the development of secondary cities. Eight country and city case studies illustrate how they have approached urbanisation, decentralisation, and other processes supporting secondary city development. Case studies include Cape Coast in Ghana, Dire Dawa in Ethiopia, Gabès in Tunisia, Huambo in Angola, Ibadan in Nigeria, Mombasa in Kenya, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in South Africa, and Touba‑Mbacké in Senegal. These case studies provide insights and knowledge about the challenges facing the development of secondary cities within the selected countries. Learning outcomes are presented for each country case study, followed by an outline of opportunities open to secondary cities in Africa to become more competitive, dynamic, and liveable. The roles that international development assistance agencies and organisations can play to support the development of secondary systems of cities are discussed. The book concludes with a call for a new urban age agenda for the management and development of African secondary cities. This is focused on the need for improved urban governance, management, planning and economic development, and for enhancing connectivity and logistic systems to build collaborative partnerships between secondary cities and create a strong network of national systems of cities across the continent.
Post COVID-19 Sustainable and Regenerative Development of Secondary Cities in Emerging Economies, 2021
The book comprises a collection of vignettes outlining ideas and arguments about how secondary an... more The book comprises a collection of vignettes outlining ideas and arguments about how secondary and intermediary cities can recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and adopt a pathway towards more sustainable and regenerative development. It explores nine key sub-themes to the recovery, based on the evidence and opinions of experts in each field. It provides policy and planning recommendations, as well as practical initiatives and approaches that secondary cities can use.
Secondary Cities Post COVID-19: Sustainable and Regenerative Development of Secondary Cities in Emerging Economies, 2021
Secondary cities comprise over 16% of the world's population. They play an important role in the ... more Secondary cities comprise over 16% of the world's population. They play an important role in the development and operations of countries as intermediary hubs and logistics centres within national industry supply chains and production systems. They serve around 22% of the world's population living in metropolitan regions and 62% of those in smaller regional cities, towns and rural areas. As such, they have a key role to play in supporting post-COVID-19 recovery efforts. Secondary cities have, until recent years, been a neglected area of public policy and investment, especially in emerging economies. This book includes a series of vignettes presented as chapters by authors with significant knowledge and experience of disaster recovery. It provides different perspectives on what can be done to support the sustainable and regenerative development of secondary cities in developing countries post COVID-19 do to support the sustainable and regenerative development of secondary cities in developing countries post COVID-19. These perspectives cover topics in economic and community development, infrastructure, finance, local government, logistics and governance. The book provides policy and planning recommendations, as well as practical initiatives and approaches that secondary cities can use. The book is intended for leaders and policymakers responsible for the development of secondary cities, but it will be of interest to other readers involved in urban and regional development recovery efforts post-COVID-19
本书试图为次级城市系统的发展方式建立一种新的思考模式。本书挑战了有关该主题的许多传 统思想，并呼吁政府改变对待国家、地区和地方发展政策和规划的方式，以支持更公平的地区 经济发展。它认为政府对于城... more 本书试图为次级城市系统的发展方式建立一种新的思考模式。本书挑战了有关该主题的许多传 统思想，并呼吁政府改变对待国家、地区和地方发展政策和规划的方式，以支持更公平的地区 经济发展。它认为政府对于城市体系发展的支持需要采取系统的，扁平的方式。如果要使城 市体系更具韧性，繁荣并更加公平地发展，我们就必须引入一种新型的“战略架构”以支持 城市间合作发展并建立经济联系，从而为开拓新市场创造更多机会。 Connecting Systems of Secondary Cities seeks to pave a new way of thinking on approaches to the development of systems of secondary cities. It challenges much of the traditional thinking on the subject, and it calls for change in the way governments approach national, regional, and local development policy and planning to support more equitable regional economic development. It argues the need for a systemic and less structured hierarchical approach to the way governments support the development of systems of cities. If systems of cities are to be more resilient, prosper, and develop more equitably, a new kind of ‘strategic architecture’ must be introduced to support their development and link their economies in order to create more opportunities for the development of new markets.
Systems of secondary cities play a vital intermediary role as economic, administrative and logist... more Systems of secondary cities play a vital intermediary role as economic, administrative and logistics hubs within national and global systems of cities. They have three basic spatial typologies: regional hubs, metropolitan clusters, and corridors. The pattern, rate of development, and role of systems of secondary cities are changing rapidly in response to urbanisation, globalisation, structural economic change, new technologies, and the rapid development of transport and communications systems. These changes have resulted in a growing gap and inequities in sub-national regional economic development, income, wealth, investment, and employment opportunities within systems of secondary cities. Closing the gap has become a significant challenge for governments. Much of the literature on the development of secondary cities has tended to focus on enhancing the competitiveness of infrastructure, industry clusters, and enabling environments; however, there has been a tendency to overlook the importance of external factors: connectivity, networks, and collaboration, which significantly affect the performance of systems of secondary cities. This book seeks to address this knowledge gap. It examines ways secondary cities can work more collaboratively to improve their development prospects, lift prosperity, and leverage public resources to support equitable and sustainable sub-national economic growth and development. It outlines ways governments and other stakeholders within systems of secondary cities can invest strategically in public goods and services, improve connectivity, develop networks, and leverage common user facilities, infrastructure, and resources at different geographic levels to support inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development.
The Chapter looks at changes impacting cities’ economies since Habitat II including: global econo... more The Chapter looks at changes impacting cities’ economies since Habitat II including: global economic conditions; ageing and (mainly in developing countries) rapidly growing population; technological innovations particularly in transport, communications and data processing, and sharper policy focus on environmental sustainability and climate change.
Webinar Secondary Cities-Participatory Mapping and Data, organised by Humanitarian Information Un... more Webinar Secondary Cities-Participatory Mapping and Data, organised by Humanitarian Information Unit (HIU), U.S. Department of State
This dissertation involves a planning study of Ahuriri, Napier, New Zealand. It was established ... more This dissertation involves a planning study of Ahuriri, Napier, New Zealand. It was established as a Port and became the first area of European settlement in Napier. The area developed rapidly in the 19th Century as a port. It was settled progressively on reclaimed land with the establishment of a wide range of mixed residential, industrial, and commercial uses. In 1931, much of the area was raised and damaged severely by the Hawkes Bay Earthquake, leading to the relocation of most inner harbour port activities to a new deeper water port under construction to the east at Bluff Hill. The area developed the centre of the region’s wool and tobacco industry. By the mid-1960s, the area began to decline due to neglect, lack of planning and investment in redevelopment, and the uncertainty of the Port of Napier’s development as a container port. Many large industries had no room for expansion and chose to locate elsewhere in the region. Residents began expressing concern about the area's decline, the loss of heritage, and the lack of planning to revitalize its character and potential as a desirable residential area. This study, undertaken as part completion of a Diploma of Town Planning, was conducted by the Author to identify options and a strategy for the revitalization and development of Ahuriri. The Study outlines briefly the history, development, problems, and issues facing the area and recommends a set of goals, objects, policies, and strategies (including options) for its revitalization. Recommendations are made for consideration by the Napier City Council to proceed with a new type of Local Area Development plan.
SPACE CLAIM: A BEHAVIOURAL APPROACH TO URBAN DESIGN, 1980
This thesis is concerned with improving the quality of urban street space. It has been written wi... more This thesis is concerned with improving the quality of urban street space. It has been written with the strong conviction that the deteriorating quality of the street is the result of the absence of any coherent theory in environmental design beyond one single building and a correspondingly inadequate spatial language related to behaviour to make a meaningful environment. There is a great deal of superstition amongst designers as to the effective value of analysis of street design upon behaviour, with the unfortunate result that few designers have tried to understand this process analytically. Any attempt to understand the meaning of streets and their role in human interaction requires some conception of the nature of the relationship between man and his environment (as well as some comprehension of the specific roles played by the structure of the street in this relationship. The lack of ability by designers to grasp this fundamental relationship has been responsible for the growing desert of derelict, unoccupied open space that has descended upon our cities, leaving the credibility of the entire design profession in doubt. Modern contemporary architecture has removed many public settings that are important to social interaction and contact at a daily personal level. Most of these settings or places are known and claimed in street-scale open spaces - spatial enclaves - defined by forms that give people meaning. With its freestanding functional carriageway, undifferentiated public space and divorced relationship with form, the contemporary street have made it difficult for individuals to lay claim to space to satisfy various behavioural needs. This lack of ability to claim space has, I believe, resulted in the loss of quality in contemporary environments. If there is to be any improvement in the environmental quality of the street, we begin to discover those qualities of space that define settings that have the potential to be claimed by people of different ages to satisfy diverse needs at various times. This study aims to improve understanding of the often-elusive interaction of the street environment and the human activities it houses. Such an understanding, it is hoped, will help to guide attempts to humanise growth and enlighten new attitudes to design analysis. By necessity, the study will examine 'man-environment' relationships, drawing from this human need for space and addressing various approaches to how space is claimed. From this analysis, a space 'claim' model will be developed to be tested in two case studies. The findings drawn from the analysis and case studies are used to develop some proposals for restructuring urban space to encourage greater potentialities of adapting street settings to behavioural needs.
In England, there is an inherent love of the countryside by its people, particularly by its poets... more In England, there is an inherent love of the countryside by its people, particularly by its poets and authors. However, over the past 50 years, the countryside has changed dramatically. Open fields replace the hedgerows and enclosures fields of the Georgian eras, and giant tractors and machinery do what eight men once did. Throughout the villages of England, a new social structure is replacing older patterns of rural life. A new type of village is emerging, with new houses and people, many of whom work in cities but desire the rural-urban (rurban) way of life of the village. But somehow these new additions to villages lack the qualities of the village of the past. The new village developments are beginning to have a sameness about them. This study investigates ways of removing that sameness in the urban design of expanded village developments. It begins with a study of the mechanisms that have defined and changed the form of the rural-urban environment. The examination reveals, that despite the change in the rural environment, there are definite principles that give the villages of England their unique quality. It is these principles that the study seeks to promote in the design of new village form. The study outlines what changes will be needed if the design and development of new or within existing villages are to be improved. A case study of small Oxfordshire village, Little Milton, is presented to see how the form of a proposed new development in this village can be improved through public participation in the development process.
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Papers by Brian H Roberts
different perspectives on what can be done to support the sustainable and regenerative development of secondary cities in developing countries post COVID-19 do to support the sustainable and regenerative development of secondary cities in developing countries post COVID-19. These perspectives cover topics in economic and community development, infrastructure, finance, local government, logistics and governance. The book provides policy and planning recommendations, as well as practical initiatives and approaches that secondary cities can use. The book is intended for leaders and policymakers responsible for the development of secondary cities, but it will be of interest to other readers involved in urban and regional development recovery efforts post-COVID-19.
The report builds upon previous research by APEC on shaping the future partnership for urbanization and sustainable city development between member economies. The report presents a framework for an initiative by APEC member economies for Building Better Partnerships for Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Growth of Cities in the Region.
different perspectives on what can be done to support the sustainable and regenerative development of secondary cities in developing countries post COVID-19 do to support the sustainable and regenerative development of secondary cities in developing countries post COVID-19. These perspectives cover topics in economic and community development, infrastructure, finance, local government, logistics and governance. The book provides policy and planning recommendations, as well as practical initiatives and approaches that secondary cities can use. The book is intended for leaders and policymakers responsible for the development of secondary cities, but it will be of interest to other readers involved in urban and regional development recovery efforts post-COVID-19.
The report builds upon previous research by APEC on shaping the future partnership for urbanization and sustainable city development between member economies. The report presents a framework for an initiative by APEC member economies for Building Better Partnerships for Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Growth of Cities in the Region.
have shaped the development of secondary cities. Eight country and city case studies illustrate how they have approached urbanisation, decentralisation, and other processes supporting secondary city development. Case studies include Cape Coast in Ghana, Dire Dawa in Ethiopia, Gabès in Tunisia, Huambo in Angola, Ibadan in Nigeria, Mombasa in Kenya, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in South Africa, and Touba‑Mbacké in Senegal. These case studies provide insights and knowledge about the challenges facing the development of secondary cities within the selected countries. Learning outcomes are presented for each country case study, followed by an outline of opportunities open to secondary cities in Africa to become more competitive, dynamic, and liveable. The roles that international development assistance agencies and organisations can play to support the development of secondary systems of cities are discussed. The book concludes with a call for a new urban age agenda for
the management and development of African secondary cities. This is focused on the need for improved urban governance, management, planning and economic development, and for enhancing connectivity and logistic systems to build collaborative partnerships between secondary cities and create a strong network of national systems of cities across the continent.
different perspectives on what can be done to support the sustainable and regenerative development of secondary cities in developing countries post COVID-19 do to support the sustainable and regenerative development of secondary cities in developing countries post COVID-19. These perspectives cover topics in economic and community development, infrastructure, finance, local government, logistics and governance. The book provides policy and planning recommendations, as well as practical initiatives and approaches that secondary cities can use. The book is intended for leaders and policymakers responsible for the development of secondary cities, but it will be of interest to other readers involved in urban and regional development recovery efforts post-COVID-19
Connecting Systems of Secondary Cities seeks to pave a new way of thinking on approaches to the development of systems of secondary cities. It challenges much of the traditional thinking on the subject, and it calls for change in the way governments approach national, regional, and local development policy and planning to support more equitable regional economic development. It argues the need for a systemic and less structured hierarchical approach to the way governments support the development of systems of cities. If systems of cities are to be more resilient, prosper, and develop more equitably, a new kind of ‘strategic architecture’ must be introduced to support their development and link their economies in order to create more opportunities for the development of new markets.
Modern contemporary architecture has removed many public settings that are important to social interaction and contact at a daily personal level. Most of these settings or places are known and claimed in street-scale open spaces - spatial enclaves - defined by forms that give people meaning. With its freestanding functional carriageway, undifferentiated public space and divorced relationship with form, the contemporary street have made it difficult for individuals to lay claim to space to satisfy various behavioural needs. This lack of ability to claim space has, I believe, resulted in the loss of quality in contemporary environments. If there is to be any improvement in the environmental quality of the street, we begin to discover those qualities of space that define settings that have the potential to be claimed by people of different ages to satisfy diverse needs at various times.
This study aims to improve understanding of the often-elusive interaction of the street environment and the human activities it houses. Such an understanding, it is hoped, will help to guide attempts to humanise growth and enlighten new attitudes to design analysis. By necessity, the study will examine 'man-environment' relationships, drawing from this human need for space and addressing various approaches to how space is claimed. From this analysis, a space 'claim' model will be developed to be tested in two case studies. The findings drawn from the analysis and case studies are used to develop some proposals for restructuring urban space to encourage greater potentialities of adapting street settings to behavioural needs.