Requirements for cross-boundary spatial planning technologies in the European context

Urban cross-boundary landscape is cohesive unity from an ecological point of view but divided into two or more administrative units. This mismatch between the ecological and political structure of that type of landscape makes the strategic planning challenging. In general, strategic planning concerns complex landscape systems, which are characterized by a large variety of natural assets (e.g. land uses, physical elements), stakeholders, and energy and matter fluxes (Batty, 2013). Strategic planning manages the balancing of demands made by manifold stakeholders regarding an integrative re-organization of land-uses (Tewdwr-Jones, 2012, Chadwick, 1978). Planners have to consider changes in natural processes and societal demands (Steiner, 2014) and consequently, spatial plans need to be constantly monitored and updated. Such adaptive planning raises important requirements in regard to spatial planning technologies, particularly in cross-boundary landscape contexts. With spatial planning technologies, we refer to digital tools and instruments that provide spatially explicit planning support by enabling knowledge-based participatory development, assessment of scenarios, and consensus building. Cross-boundary cooperation concerning spatial and regional planning in Europe is rising in importance and gaining more attention among various actors and a heterogeneous network of actors is the basis for functioning cross-boundary spatial planning (Sohn & Giffinger, 2015).
This research investigates requirements for cross-boundary spatial planning technologies. We refer to European cross-boundary regions, which are located in the European Baltic Sea Region. We hypothesize that there is no efficient cross-boundary spatial planning without engagement from various stakeholders, supported by novel spatial planning technologies. This study presents the results from a survey that identifies the requirements for spatial planning technologies adequate for cross - boundary regions. The survey was carried out within the INTECRE (Innovative Technologies for Multi-dimensional Integrated Spatial Development) project partners coming from the Baltic Sea Region.
The study aims to provides general recommendations about cross - boundary spatial planning technologies. Addressed in the survey are the following central issues: definition of the scope of such technologies, the data base and international planning data provision, features and properties of planning technologies, and stakeholder involvement. The research findings are transferable to wider European and extra-European contexts.