Karl-Heinz Oberle

• In the recent years small towns have experienced several negative developments. Especially in rural areas there are demographic problems and in the sector of retailing. Reforms in state administration resulted in the reduction of county administration seats. Also professional health care services are being reduced. The thesis explores the effectiveness of three middle order centres (which in two cases are formed by more than one town) to fulfil their respective functions for their regions (complementary regions). The spatial dominance of these towns in the sectors of jobs and services (retailing, secondary education – up to college level – health and entertainment) is surveyed. The analysis is done with statistical material already collected by various institutions and by several own surveys. Interviews were done with experts. Thus each middle order center and its complementary region is evaluated. Haslach/Hausach/Wolfach performs best, albeit their demographic development is not dynamic. Bad Krozingen/Staufen has some shortcomings in its performance by the most dynamic demographic development of the three entities. Titisee-Neustadt's performance can be ranked second. In a final chapter further research topics are listed.