Taxonomy of Holistic Performance of Current Creative Cities: Empirical Study

Abstract

The measurement of cities’ holistic performance is complex but fundamental to conclude about the economic growth of regions and countries. In addition, the results of this measurement allow classification of cities through grouping them in clusters with homogeneous characteristics. In this connection, the aim of this study is to present a taxonomy for cities in terms of homogeneity and similarity for the geographical context analysed. The transversal study carried out covered all Portuguese towns and cities (N=308), considering a wide range of dimensions, subdimensions, indicators and variables, and followed a quantitative research method. Through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), principal components analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), the results obtained determined the grouping of towns and cities in 12 clusters, which were classified in the taxonomy defined for cities’ holistic performance—excellent, high, average, and weak, according to their position in the various rankings extracted (composite indices of holistic performance, creative performance, intelligent performance, and sustainable performance). This classification by taxonomical profile of clusters is the main contribution of the study. Finally, other implications for theory and practice are presented, and suggesting relevant lines of future research.