International Comparison of Experiences and Knowledge Exchange in Metropolitan and Regional Networks

Metropolitan regions, such as the Stuttgart Region are key drivers of economic and social development. They support innovation in technology, education, and culture and serve as hubs of major transportation infrastructure. As capital of the Federal state of Baden-Württemberg, the city is an important administrative centre and headquarter of globally operating companies. The region&s;s unique characteristic however derives from a myriad of highly successful small and medium enterprises; most of them belonging to the automotive or engineering sector yet, serving a world-wide market. Due to these international economic links, workers from more than 170 countries have come to reside in the region thereby making it one of Germany&s;s most “international places”. Global economic and socio-demographic ties, it is argued, are one reason for the significant engagement of the regional administration – the Verband Region Stuttgart – in international networks of cities, regions, and metropolitan areas. This chapter elaborates the rationale for working closely with other metropolitan regions, the approach, scope and strategic goals of international discourses and common projects. It offers a tentative assessment of 25 years of international exchange outcomes, the value of joint lobbying and impacts of urban diplomacy from the perspective of two practitioners, responsible for comprehensive planning, regional development, and European and international cooperation.