The Blind Spot. How Three Cities in Three Different Countries Counteracted the Crisis in the 1970s

Abstract

This article describes how the world-wide economic crisis in the 1970s hit three towns, Kiruna, Holstebro and Dortmund and how planners in these cities counteracted the crisis. Their economic bases, iron ore, farming and steel, eroded and caused mass unemployment. More or less unconsciously, the planners used the so called butterfly theory, here called the theory of the blind spot. They had to meet unexpected problems with unexpected actions. The study started more than thirty years ago. By following up today what happened over time, it has been possible to see the effects of the counteractions brought about by politicians, industry and public planners.

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