"Squaring the Circle" is a collection of essays in honour of Bert Steenge on occasion of his retirement as a full professor of economics at the University of Twente. The title of this volume is based on Prof. Steenge's interest in seemingly unsolvable economic problems. The broad variety of topics in the book mirrors Prof. Steenge's wide area of interests in the field of economic analysis. The essays originate from presentations at the annual, binational Rothenberge seminar, organized by economists from the University of Munster and the University of Twente.

This book explores the challenges population decline presents for Europe's urban and rural areas. It features recent demographic data and trends not only for Europe as a whole, but also for selected countries, and compares growth and shrinkage from a historical as well as a theoretical perspective. In addition, the book critically reviews relevant notions from geography, sociology, and public administration. It also identifies good practices across Europe. Throughout, theories are complemented with concrete examples and proposals are made on how to tackle demographic shrinkage in European cities and villages, from attempts to attract new residents to the countryside to innovative ways to guarantee public services. In the end, the authors conclude that solving the challenges caused by population decline require novel ways of thinking and provide answers to such future-oriented questions as: how to ensure the quality of life in an environment that is inhabited by fewer and older people, what investments are needed, and which actors should be involved. Managing Population Decline in Europe's Urban and Rural Areas offers detailed coverage of an underestimated and complex governance issue that asks for solutions in which citizens have to play an important role. It concludes that shrinkage requires a rethink of the specific tasks and roles of government and presents a way forward based on initiatives currently underway throughout Europe. The book will be a valuable resource for population policy makers as well as students and researchers interested in human geography, urban planning, rural development, European studies, public administration, and other social sciences.

While the economies of the world become more and more integrated, differences in the cultures remain. The economics of cultural diversity and of cultural interactions are the main theme of this book. The essays originate from presentations at the binational Rothenberge seminar, organized by economists from the University of Munster and the University of Twente. (Series: Wirtschaft: Forschung und Wissenschaft - Vol. 28)

In this edited volume scholars coming from all over Europe discuss the extent to which high- and low-culture can contribute to the economic development of Europe's old industrial regions. Including case studies from areas in the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Poland and Russia, the book demonstrates that culture can play a role in regenerating old industrial regions, but rather as an image booster than as a job machine.