Conceptualising the Networks of Shrinking Cities in the Danube Region

Abstract

The prospects of small and medium-sized cities and towns in the Danube Region is not just related to their internal potential, such as their socioeconomic capital, preserved cultural diversity, cultural and natural heritage, urban fabric and rising tourism. Their development is also related to their networking, clustering, transport connectivity, relation to the nearest bigger cities and the permeability of nearby national borders settled on the river. Only considering both groups of the mentioned factors – external and internal ones – the future of the region and its urban settlements can be adequately planned and directed for both local people and prospective visitors.