Solving Complex Problems: Applying a Problem-Oriented Approach to the Case of the Orient/East-Med Corridor

The paper initially elucidates the so-called 'problems-first' planning approach, whereby planners are supposed to start any activity based on a precise definition of the problems that need to be solved. As a result, they become more relevant actors to both citizens and politicians, all of whom are considered important parties in solving complex problems. Following a brief introduction, the 'key seven', i. e. the seven key aspects of problem-oriented planning, are described. Briefly, these are the various elements of a planning task that, when altered, have a disproportionate effect on the range of possible solutions and thus thoroughly affect the outcome of a planning situation. These include: (1) defining the 'socially constructed' problems to be worked on, (2) modifying the (usually provisional) definition of the problem by shifting it back and forth, (3) testing the empirical adequacy of the assumed relationship at the base of how a problem is defined, (4) elucidating the causes of a problem, (5) generating measures designed to solve the problem from these causes, (6) defining key concepts (terms), as well as (7) incorporating various basic approaches to planning. The second part of the paper illustrates the main problems observed along the Orient/East- Med Corridor, including not only infrastructural bottlenecks, but also complex geo-political challenges. Accordingly, the conclusion summarizes the main recommendations for the development of a strategy for the Orient/East-Med Corridor including both the 'planning world' and 'life world' realms.Der Beitrag befasst sich mit dem sog. "problems-first"-Planungsansatz, bei dem jeder Planungsschritt auf Grundlage detaillierter Definition und Kenntnis der zu lösenden Herausforderungen bzw. Probleme erfolgen soll. So werden auch Planungsakteure für Bürger bzw. Politiker sichtbarer und werden als wichtige Parteien bei der Lösung komplexer Probleme gesehen. Der Beitrag nennt nach einer kurzen Einführung die "key seven", d.h. die sieben Schwerpunkte der problemorientierten Planung. Dies sind die unterschiedlichen Planungsaspekte, die sich bei Änderungen maßgeblich auf das Spektrum an Lösungsmöglichkeiten auswirken und damit das Ergebnis von Planung nachhaltig beeinflussen. Dies umfasst: (1) die Definition der zu behandelnden "sozial konstruierten" Probleme, (2) eine der Situation eher angemessene Änderung der (in der Regel vorläufigen) Problemdefinition, (3) Prüfung der empirischen Validität der Grundlagen und Voraussetzungen des Problems, (4) Klärung der Ursachen des Problems, (5) vor diesem Hintergrund Erarbeitung von Maßnahmen zur Lösung des Problems, (6) Definition von Schlüsselstrategien (Begriffen) sowie (7) Einbeziehung verschiedener Planungsansätze. Der zweite Teil des Beitrags verdeutlicht die wichtigsten Probleme entlang des Orient/East-Med Corridors; hierzu zählen nicht nur infrastrukturelle Engpässe, sondern auch komplexe geopolitische Herausforderungen. Hierauf aufbauend fassen die Schlussfolgerungen die wichtigsten Empfehlungen für die Entwicklung einer Strategie für den Orient/East-Med Corridor zusammen, die die "Planungswelt" und die "Lebenswelt" umfassen

Planungsfehler

Planung lässt sich verstehen als die gedankliche Vorwegnahme zukünftiger Handlungen. Geht bei der Planung etwas schief, dann spricht man von einem Planungsfehler. Diese Fehler betreffen entweder die geforderten oder die erreichten Merkmalsausprägungen. In der Theorie wird dieses Thema jedoch kaum behandelt. Dabei gibt es im Grunde unzählige Möglichkeiten, Fehler zu machen

Spatial and Transport Development in European Corridors - Example Corridor: Orient/East-Med; Connecting and Competing in Spaces of European Importance

For four years, a group of experts from public administration, academia and practice has collaborated to highlight the important aspects of corridor development, to provide a first integrated assessment for the entire corridor system and to prepare a draft of an integrated strategy. Of course, this is just a beginning and should be followed up by additional initiatives to produce an organisational framework that will allow intensified collaboration on the corridors, which are so important for the cohesion of Europe. Moreover, we hope that our insights will also stimulate the development of the OEM Corridor and similar investigations into other European corridors. Due to the international nature of the project topic, the working group comprises prominent experts of spatial development and infrastructural engineering from both academia and from planning practice, and from various countries along the corridor

Raumwirksamkeit der Digitalisierung

Digitalisierung bedarf konkreter räumlicher Steuerung, und hierbei spielt die Regionalplanung und -entwicklung eine zentrale Rolle. Die Arbeitsgruppe "Raumwirksamkeit der Digitalisierung" der LAG Baden-Württemberg hat zentrale Empfehlungen erarbeitet, die die Bereiche "Steuerung des Ausbaus der digitalen Netze", "Daseinsvorsorge und Gleichwertigkeit der Lebensverhältnisse" und "Datenverfügbarkeit und Planungsprozesse" adressieren und unterlegt diese mit Impulsen für die Regionalentwicklung selbst, für politische Rahmenbedingungen und für die Planungswissenschaften.Digitalization is a matter of specific spatial governance. Regional planning and development play a key role here. The working group entitled "Digitalization and its spatial implications" of the LAG Baden-Württemberg has developed key recommendations that address the areas of "Controlling the Expansion of Digital Networks," "Provision of Public Services and Equivalence of Living Conditions", and "Data Availability and Planning Processes". The working group underpins these with impulses for regional development, for political framework conditions and for planning science

Provisional and precautionary politics as foundation for plurality participation in urban development – a political culture that incorporates the “wisdom of the crowds” within a solidly united planning and participation process

Book of proceedings: Annual AESOP Congress, Definite Space – Fuzzy Responsibility, Prague, 13-16th July, 2015Cooperation and participation have today become regular components of planning processes. Processes that take the ideas and concerns of citizens into account are recognised as more suitable and are therefore more easily accepted. The protests against the infrastructure project “Stuttgart 21”, however, have demonstrated that the so-called “communicative turn” in planning theory has failed to install a planning and policy-making process on a level playing field with the citizens. What is missing is an approach which brings the actors jointly to the table. In real life practice, politics, public administrations, and citizens are often parallel worlds with their own general rules and rituals, and with little mutual understanding. The concept of Provisional and Precautionary Politics can provide the stimulus to change the culture of local planning and policy-making processes. This kind of politics means a radical break with the rational planning model, which assumes that everything can be planned. By contrast, it aims at a common and mandatory process of open-ended knowledge generation, in terms of a body of experience and feedback. Provisional and Precautionary Politics is based on the assumption that in a changing world and due to human fallibility, knowledge and actions can only be preliminary. Therefore, it is important to preserve maximum scope for future action. According to this proposition, the “wisdom of the crowds” helps in solving complex social problems, while, in turn, planning and politics can help the “wisdom of the crowds” to achieve common action.Published Versio

The influence of a problem solving training on shared mental models of spatial planners

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