Online Workshop: Unlocking Metropolitan Capacity

Metropolitan areas are increasingly expected to address complex territorial challenges, drive sustainable development and coordinate strategic investments across functional urban regions. However, the governance arrangements, institutional competences and financial frameworks supporting metropolitan cooperation have not always evolved at the same pace as these growing responsibilities.

Developed as part of the Bernd Steinacher Fellowship, this research examines how governance, competences and financial arrangements shape the capacity of metropolitan organisations across Europe. Drawing on a comprehensive literature review, a survey of METREX members and comparative case studies, it identifies common governance and financing models, explores the relationship between institutional arrangements and metropolitan capacity, and develops recommendations to support more effective metropolitan development.

Building on the METREX member survey and discussions at recent METREX conferences, this online session represents the final consultation stage of the research. It aims to validate the preliminary findings, enrich the evidence base with additional experiences and examples, and refine the proposed conclusions and recommendations before the report is finalised.

Combining concise presentations, live polling and facilitated discussion, the session is designed to capitalise on the network’s extensive expertise and practical experience. Participants will have the opportunity to share perspectives from their own metropolitan contexts, challenge or confirm the emerging findings, and help shape recommendations that are relevant across diverse metropolitan contexts in Europe.

Registered participants will receive a draft of the report, together with the detailed agenda and joining instructions, in advance of the session to support an informed and productive discussion.