Specialization and competition amongst European cities: A new approach through fair and exhibition activities

Specialization and competition amongst European cities: a new approach through fair and exhibition activities, Reg. Studies 32, 133-147. This paper reviews the concept of urban specialization through the processes of exhibition concentration and diversification. Its purpose is to analyse different urban specialization patterns in Europe, evaluating to what extent specialization strategies can be worthwhile. Fairs and exhibitions are taken as a reference case. The results confirm the existence of sharp disparities between European exhibition cities, where different levels of specialization are seen. Consequently, there can be no valid single exhibition or urban policy, since specialization strategies must be adapted to suit the size and profile of each city.