Introduction: The Interlocking Network Model for Studying Urban Networks: Outline, Potential, Critiques, and Ways Forward

The paper begins with an introduction into the interlocking network model ( INM ) initially specified by P eter T aylor in the context of the G lobalization and W orld C ities ( G a WC ) research network. For that purpose, the intellectual background, purpose, key principles and subsequent applications of the INM are presented. Since the overall purpose of the S pecial I ssue is to take research inspired by the INM further, this paper gives, second, an overview of some of the main critiques raised against the INM . Third, the relevance of the different papers of the Special Issue is framed within these critiques. The papers in the S pecial I ssue can be divided in two groups: while the first set discusses the measurement framework, the second focuses on the conceptual remit of the INM .