City development under the constraints of complexity and urban governance: A case study on the application of systems modelling and ‘syntegration’ to the city of Fürth

Abstract

This paper presents insights from the so-called ‘syntegration’ process, which helped the German city of Fürth to overcome severe financial deficit. The approach comprises both systems modelling, in order to grasp the developmental prospects of a city, and an accelerated process of consensus-building within the city, which is closely connected to implementation. Syntegration is viewed within the context of urban governance. The findings suggest that leadership is indispensable in initiating and controlling such an urban change process. ‘Syntegration’ and ‘Malik Syntegration’ are registered trade marks owned by Malik.