Urban management: From theory to practice, from vision to implementation

The contemporary cities and urban regions, exposed to turbulent globalizing forces, have to strengthen their position in the numerous networks of power in order to achieve global or regional recognition. However, the high aims and blurred visions of development are usually limited by various obstacles and conditioned by local potentials and resources. Therefore, a successful urban management - at least in theory - should provide comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to complex urban problems, conflicts and challenges. Unfortunately, even the most elaborated and successful strategies cannot be considered as role models because every urban environment creates its own variables and uniqueness. This article analyzes the background of contemporary urban changes as well as the trend of urban competitiveness which has been supported and stimulated by modern urban management and its methods and instruments. Additionally, the elements and scope of urban management are examined, emphasizing its role, position and importance in the inevitable urban processes. Flexible or rigid, visionary or pragmatic, urban management is not the only guarantee for anticipated progress, but it certainly enables different perception of urban