Linking polycentricity concepts to periphery

Author(s)
Alois Humer
Abstract

This contribution searches for a regional planning conception that allows for a mutual recognition and practical translation between strategies for urban regions and peripheries beyond separate urban and rural categories; taking the Austrian strategic spatial planning context as the example. For this, various notions of polycentricity are discussed and assessed with regard to periphery. The Austrian strategic spatial development concept ÖREK sets out a focused work programme with changing responsibilities and participation of actors. The objectives are targeted and the processes are implementation oriented. Amongst other topics, urban regional issues and peripheral, declining regions are worked on separately. A conceptually integrative, plan-like strategic instrument across the topics and for the whole of Austria is lacking. The ESPON notion of ‘inner peripheries’ is proposed as a complementary concept to the ESDP notion of polycentricity, helping to create a bridge between urban regional and periphery strategies. This has the potential to guide strategic planning practice efforts in Austria towards a yet missing strategic spatial plan for the whole of the country beyond urban and rural categories. Practice relevant conclusions related to the case of Austrian strategic spatial planning are drawn and a need for further, comparative research in a European context is identified.

Organisation(s)
Department of Geography and Regional Research
External organisation(s)
Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften (ÖAW)
Journal
European Planning Studies
Volume
26
Pages
635-652
No. of pages
18
ISSN
0965-4313
Publication date
04-2018
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
507007 Land use planning, 507011 Spatial research
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Geography, Planning and Development
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 15 - Life on Land
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/a92f9b28-4a9e-43e8-ae9b-74fcd4b1ddcf