1. a system of organization or governance having multiple centers of power or authority
Usage: political science; organizational theory
2. the condition of having several important centers of activity, influence, or development
Usage: geography; urban planning

Examples

• The European Union represents a form of political polycentrism with power distributed among member nations.
• Urban planners advocate for polycentrism to reduce traffic congestion in major cities.
• The company adopted polycentrism by establishing regional headquarters worldwide.
• Economic polycentrism has emerged as multiple cities compete for global financial dominance.
• The region’s polycentrism allows for diverse cultural and economic development.
• Critics argue that polycentrism can lead to coordination problems between different centers.