Book excerpt: Policy makers in Pittsburgh, Birmingham and Rotterdam are confronted with rapidly changing social and economic environments. Public and private sector organizations in the three cities are increasingly addressing regional issues strategically and joining together in partnerships to promote competitiveness and economic growth. Local communities are linking to regional economies as companies restructure and strategy-makers recognise the benefits of urban regeneration as an important condition for economic prosperity. The book covers the complexities of modern governance under such circumstances, the diversity and patterning of public-private partnerships and networks and the changing economic development strategies of city governments and regional and local organizations.