This evolution could lead to dramatic changes for the Clermont metropole. It has lost its status of regional capital and its activities will be challenged by the two other cities—Lyon and Grenoble. Moreover, Lyon and Grenoble officially benefit from the enhanced status of metropoles (along with 11 other cities in France), which means that they have a comparative advantages in terms of funding and that they can control and make contracts with their hinterland in an easier way than can Clermont-Ferrand.