Rural problems, policies and possibilities in a post‐urban world

Abstract Based on a historical overview of spatial networks and mobility, the development theory, this review discusses current rural problems in Europe need for new policy. The toward post‐urban world, that is, world where traditional urban–rural dichotomy is dissolving replaced by city‐regions vast, declining peripheries, means division areas into two types: those becoming integrated growing exploitation natural resources main activity. We claim policy only focuses would fail. reason endogenous simply not possible Europe. What required better policies oriented towards maximizing potential each region, combining people‐based with place‐based approaches, empowering local stakeholders to take greater control their future. Regional science has an important role play providing decision‐makers evidence‐based research meets challenges world.