Jessica THEUNER, Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development, Germany
Governance of peripheral areas often struggles with fragmented decision-making structures, different legal regimes and a lack of comprehensive regional and sectoral development policies. An additional stress test for these governance structures arises in times of dynamic structural change, which can provide gateways for a return to state paternalism and classic state intervention policies.
Using the example of structural change in Germany caused by the coal phase-out, we would like to discuss challenges of managing transformation processes and planning approaches to overcome them. Our case study is Lusatia, the second largest lignite mining region in Germany, which shows clear signs of peripheralisation. Managing the transformation process is a particular challenge in the cross-border region, as the governmental structure and structural policies in the two federal states differ and cooperation at the regional level is lacking. At the same time, complex challenges of regional development have to be tackled, which include not only the energy transition, but also dealing with out-migration, labour shortages, economic weakness and climate-related water problems. In order to counteract the weaknesses of governance, empower regional actors and create impulses for an exchange between regional actors on strategic, long-term and integrative development approaches, we designed and implemented a planning laboratory. The planning lab elaborated spatial visions for the development of the region through input from external planning teams and regular workshops with regional experts.
In our paper, we present the spatial planning approach in its concern and implementation, but also provide insights into the implementation challenges and outcomes. The case study highlights the obstacles of regional governance in transformation processes and explores the potentials of spatial planning approaches to strengthen the transformation capacity in the region.
Mots clés : spatial planning|coal-phase out|Governance|transformative capacities|peripheralisation
A104623AM