Building a Network of Mediterranean cities

Abstract

The paper tries to draw an imaginary open, global and local network, whose possibilities, strengths
and opportunities, seem unquestionable. It’s a look to a possible future based upon the will, from
the conviction that we are, rather than fossilized secretion of the past, what we want to be, that for
what we work with tenacity and intelligence. Granada is a city-region with a great cultural and
historical significance but of minor economic weight. Its main asset is the University with 1.5 times
the budget of the municipality. Cities which form this ring seated by the Mediterranean, share, in
general, and to different degrees, these attributes.
Our universities and the urban, historical, cultural and social heritage should be considered as our
main asset. Universities, nowadays, are very concerned about the internationalization but they
should also be committed to the development of their regions. Networking of our cities, through
their universities, would enhance that value, much as it would weaken their isolation. And that
network would have significant economic, dragging trade and tourism flows.
Today, the lack of relations between our cities is proven by the indicator of airline flights between
them, in clear contrast with the strength to their links with Central European hubs.
Network construction is stronger and more effective, also slower in its consolidation and
dissemination, if done bottom up. In this article, Thessaloniki, Belgrade and Granada, are shown
together in beginning networking from its urban planning University groups.