Knowledge, Creativity and New Urban Dynamics: Re-Thinking Low-Density Territories in Portugal

Abstract

Today, three quarters of the European Union’s population is urban. However, a large part of this urban population lives in small or medium-sized cities. They have an important role in addressing negative population and economic dynamics, especially in low density areas that are currently experiencing depopulation. In Portugal’s countryside, the territorial capital of small and medium-sized cities has become fundamental in attracting new economic activities, especially in the fields of culture, arts, creativity and even science and technology. This paper aims at contributing to make a step forward in the exciting debate about new opportunities of development of low density territories in the Portuguese countryside, while proposing at the same time a new research agenda.