Regional learning: Integrating the science and practice of strategic spatial planning

Spatial planning is facing the growing complexity of metropolitan landscapes. It has to deal with the highly complex, reciprocal relationship between the landscape and societal activities. The complexity is increasing due to processes such as climate change, decentralisation of responsibilities and the search for new economic pillars. Conventional planning approaches are not up to these tasks and many regions are in need of innovative knowledge and approaches to deal with these challenges. This paper describes the development of such an approach in a strategic spatial planning studio at Wageningen University, using the concept of Kenniswerkplaats – a learning, research and work community, with regional partnerships between the university and the community of regional stakeholders.