The Geographical Formation of International Management Centres in Europe

Abstract

International management centres are based on production-control functions. Control functions comprise headquarters as bases of operation and beachheads co-ordinating foreign branches and subsidiaries. Bases of operations and beachheads are sustained by advanced business services, financial and real estate services and corporate services. These activities make up an economic formation. Transport, communication facilities, internationally oriented office locations and specific amenities enable the formation to function smoothly. The spatial and social structures of many city regions are strongly affected by the development of these international management centres. Segmentation processes in the housing and labour markets can be related to these formations of management activities.