Willem van Winden (PhD) is professor at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. His research focuses on knowledge-based urban/regional policies and strategies. He is active in numerous international research projects and has published several books and scientific articles in these fi elds. He currently acts as adviser for several cities, city networks and other organisations, including URBACT (Europe’s largest exchange and learning programme promoting sustainable urban development), Urban Innovative Actions (UIA), and EUniver-Cities (a network of European cities and universities).