Von der Raumordnung zur Raumentwicklung

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The role of the state and of public policy has already been questioned for a long time. Spatial planning was once a core business of public authorities. But that has changed and notions like regional, territorial, and spatial development policies are now more frequently used. Thus, the question arises: does this semantic shift only reflect a new fashion soon to be replaced by another buzz word or does it instead represent a more profound change in the underlying structural forces of socio-economic development of territories? The article argues that there are at least three reasons that require a renewed attitude toward public policies addressing the development of territories, regions, and spaces. First, the spatial reach of local activities that impact upon space clearly has ex panded. Secondly, a changed role for the state has created a number of new and relevant actors that impact upon territories that have emerged. Third, a more encompassing understanding and perception of “space,” as a production factor of socio-economic reality, is applied. In fact, these basic trends call for a “systemic” approach from territorial development policy.