Constructing metropolitan scales: economic, political and discursive determinants

This editorial presents the reasons why the metropolitan scale is gaining momentum as a concept, as well as a process taking place in the real world, and considers its definition. The main questions and theories used in research on the metropolitan scale are introduced, followed by the research findings of the different papers in this special issue. By analysing the metropolitan scale in its economic, spatial and political dimensions, it has been possible to detect both similar and different kinds and degrees of development, and to focus on their determinants. Evidence of processes conducive to the construction of metropolitan scales in economic, spatial, political and discursive terms corresponds to rather weak and contentious policy agendas. There is no evidence of a direct correlation between the urban challenges brought about by globalization and the construction of metropolitan scales as the prevailing political solution. Where they do exist, the policies through which the metropolitan scale are constructed may have different goals and forms, depending on place-specific circumstances. If global forces play a role in the construction of urban/metropolitan spaces, this is mediated by local and national factors of an economic, political and cultural nature.