The Future Is In The Past: Reflections on The Evolution of The European City.

The aim of this contribution is to re-examine traditional urban values and the sense of culture in the new urban dimension, in order to put forward ideas for best practice for local sustainability. Today it appears that capitalism, globalizing relationships and organization, has not yet destroyed the European structure of towns and cities, but their traditional pre-eminence consolidated in the history of place is being called into question. If they are unable to improve their organization and value, we may see a downward spiral of dissatisfaction and decline, leading to gradual loss of businesses, capital and inhabitants. The role that a city played in the past is no longer enough to keep it preeminent and competitive today. New ways of territorializing the economy are required to prevent cities from being destroyed by globalization. Diversity and specificity are important features of European culture which need to be maintained and enhanced. Cities and towns today need to find a new identity and develop urban innovation to help local development and international competitiveness in a sustainable context.