Amsterdam, Utrecht, Groningen

Abstract

Universities and their cities abound in mutual dependencies. Not least of them is the economic importance of the university. In cities with a quarter of a million inhabitants one university can easily be the major employer. By virtue of the characteristics of their student and professional populations, universities provide support for a series of functions that make for an attractive city. In turn, now that universities compete in a shrinking market, cities are indispensable to provide inputs for a thriving university that will induce new students to come. Mutual interests will on the face of it be particularly dominant in town-planning. Universities will have the ambition to occupy a prominent position in the city. Universities will in turn offer architectural landmarks to the cities. In the Netherlands, universities will depend on cities for the acquisition of land. Land- banking functions are usually performed by municipalities in this country. Clearly, only close co-operation will provide the opportunities for optimal results. What strategies are used from either side to gain these benefits? Are influence relations balanced? How do partners consult?