FOCUS

The TG provides a home for everyone interested in the European dimension of planning (e.g. European spatial development, EU Cohesion Policy and the study of Europeanisation processes), as well as those working with international and cross-continental perspectives on planning and governance. While transnational planning remains a core theme of the TG, transboundary planning processes exist also within countries at various scales, visible for example in the emergence of soft spaces such as city-regions. With the rise of maritime spatial planning, another type of transboundary planning has emerged at the land-sea interface. We are interested to explore not only the spatial but also the institutional and practical implications of such new planning spaces, and what it means for citizens, politicians and planners to live and work with(in) these spaces.

In addition to new planning spaces, we are also eager to discuss changing governance arrangements and planning approaches in existing planning spaces, for example at the regional level, where administrative reforms as well as changing interpretations of the role of planning periodically reshape the territorial boundaries, means and ends of these strategic planning processes.   

Comparative research, including the local, city-regional, regional, national and supra-national levels, is another core theme of the TG. Research on planning systems and planning cultures can provide essential insights on ideas, policies and practices – and the role actors play in shaping these – especially when transcending national perspectives and exploring also local and regional specificities. Comparative perspectives within and between different country contexts can also reveal processes of policy transfer and policy diffusion, and illustrate how planning ideas travel and transform.

ACTIVITIES

TG meetings: The TG meets twice per year: once in person at the annual AESOP Congress and once online in December. Both meetings serve to discuss the focus of the group as well as joint future activities such as special sessions at the upcoming AESOP Congress or calls for special issues. The meetings are open to all interested persons – an invitation will be sent through the mailing list and an announcement will appear on the TG webpage.

AESOP Congress: One track at the AESOP Congress (usually entitled: “Governance”) is directly linked with the TG. We are also eager to facilitate the organisation of special sessions or roundtables on specific themes within the scope of the TG at the AESOP Congress.

Journal collaboration: The TG has excellent relations with various scientific journals whose scope is aligned with the focus of our group. We currently have offers from European Planning Studies, European Journal of Spatial Development, Europa XXI and Planning Practice and Research to organise joint activities or present proposals for special issues. Naturally, decisions on the acceptance of manuscripts and acceptance of special issue proposals rest with the respective journals, not the TG coordinators.

Conferences, seminars or workshops: Following the initiative of the TG members, other activities such as conferences, seminars or workshops can be organized under the patronage of the TG. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your ideas, and we will gladly offer help with the organization where possible. The TG mailing list can also be used to advertise relevant calls and invitations among TG members.