Applying the lessons of strategic urban planning learned in the developing world to the Netherlands

A case study of three industrial area development projects

Bibliographic Data

ID11376259
AuthorsRobin S de Graaf, Robin de Graaf (0000-0002-0303-4615, University of Twente, corresponding author), Geert P M R Dewulf (University of Twente)
Year2010
Volume34
Issue4
Pages471-477
Publication date2010-10-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHabitat International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0197-3975 • E-ISSN: 1873-5428
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.habitatint.2010.02.005
OpenAlexW2067917217
LanguageEN
Citations received7
References cited18

Worldwide there is an increasing interest in strategic urban planning. Strategic urban planning is a way of urban planning that is based on strategic planning principles common in the business sector. The need for strategic urban planning is recognized and acknowledged in developing countries, but barely in European countries. This article explains the reasons for this lack of recognition by comparing the possibilities for strategic urban planning in developing countries to a European country: the Netherlands. The major similarity found is that current institutional characteristics in both developed and developing countries still limit the possibilities for strategic urban planning. Institutional change is a prerequisite for successful strategic urban planning, but very difficult to attain as indicated in various cases in developing countries too. The major difference is related to the cultural aspect of urban planning. In the Netherlands, and in many other European countries too, it is broadly accepted and considered legitimate that governments have a chief coordinating role. It is common that they develop for the stakeholders instead of with the stakeholders. This differs from developing countries where stakeholder participation and joint development are considered crucial to develop sustainable planning solutions. Based on these findings the conclusion is that strategic urban planning has its limitations. As a method, it has much potential, but planners and academics must carefully tailor the method to the specific context where it will be applied

Business · Civil engineering · Context (archaeology · Developing country · Economic growth · Economics · Environmental planning · Geography · Land use · Land-use planning · Political science · Public relations · Stakeholder · Strategic planning · Urban planning · Dutch Social and Cultural Studies · Engineering · Public Policy and Administration Research · Urban Planning and Governance · Marketing

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Open DOISci-HubOpen Access