Scientific specialisation is spatial policy. The department conducts research into the economic, legal, environmental and urban conditions of spatial policy. spatial policy tools (e.g. spatial development plans) are studied and evaluated. Particular emphasis is placed on the interdisciplinary determination of spatial policy objectives, and the implementation of these objectives in legal acts (at the national, regional and local levels). The Chair also works on comparing spatial planning systems in different countries. The department also conducts analyses of changes in spatial and urban policy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The department staff cooperate on these topics with a group of several dozen research units (in Poland and other countries), constantly expanding the scope of this cooperation.
The expertise offered includes:
- comparison of spatial policy instruments in different countries;
- Implementing environmental and cultural objectives in spatial policy instruments;
- Optimal legal changes related to spatial planning at national, regional and local levels;
- Characteristics of flexibility issues in spatial planning;
- Determining economic consequences of spatial policy;
- Recommendations for changes in urban policy after COVID-19
- co-authoring of broad international reports on specific determinants of spatial policies;
- diagnosing spatial planning problems in the context of renewable energy sources;
- diagnosing spatial planning problems in the context of environmental and nature protection;
- relating spatial planning problems to European Union acts, especially the European Union Territorial Agenda 2030;
- defining key objectives of the European spatial policy;
- defining the role of property ownership in spatial planning systems;
- verifying social barriers to implementing specific spatial planning objectives;
- analysing legal issues related to spatial planning;
- discussing the role of local government units and national authorities in spatial planning.
The group is interested in cooperation in:
- participation in international projects that compare spatial planning systems in different countries;
- participation in international projects jointly defining a post-COVID-19 urban policy framework;
- participation in international projects dedicated to the clarification of the European spatial policy framework;
- participation in international publications on spatial planning issues and urban policy after COVID-19;
- participation in international research networks on spatial planning and urban development issues;
- preparation of expert reports comparing the conditions for spatial planning in different countries and providing recommendations for further action;
- participation in various forms of scientific discussion on issues related to spatial planning.
Thematic area - Cluster in Horizon Europe: 4. Digital, Industry and Space