Metropolisation Through Institutional Action: An Analysis of Seven Metropolitan Areas in Central Europe

This article addresses the institutional dimension of metropolisation processes in Central Europe. It draws on qualitative research conducted as a part of the Strengthening Metropolitan Cooperation and Governance in Central Europe (MECOG-CE) project. Initiated in 2023 and running to 2026, the MECOG-CE project covers seven metropolitan areas. Based on the concept of hard and soft dialogue spaces, the article seeks to identify the main domains of activity undertaken by institutions in metropolitan areas and elucidate the similarities and differences in their approaches to these activities. Empirical data underline the primacy of three spheres of activity undertaken by metropolitan institutions: regional development, spatial planning, and transport. The study also discusses the prevailing model of urbanisation and metropolitan development, which assumes a triad based on forces of globalisation-innovation-competition, concluding instead that metropolisation in contemporary Central Europe is driven more by metropolitan institutions, collaboration, and principles of inclusive participation and sustainable development.