The aim of this study is to further explore and deepen research in place development with focus on inclusive networking related to renewal processes in smaller harbour cities in Scandinavia. The results are based on a multiple case study comprising in-depth interviews with driving network actors, document studies and observations from six different harbour cities in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The research questions focus on the characteristics of networks and inclusiveness, knowledge sharing and renewal processes related to networking. This study illustrates different inclusive network approaches for place development. Smaller harbour cities are dynamic places for cross-sector collaboration and networking, although driving network actors struggle with underlying mechanisms related to network characteristics, inclusiveness and governance. Furthermore, findings stress that communication, a sharing culture, transparency and democratic values are vital to enable trust, knowledge sharing and legitimacy for inclusive networking in place development.