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.