Supralocal development strategy as a new instrument for integrated planning: Practices and recommendations

Abstract

The reform of the development management system in Poland in 2020 introduced a new strategic document – the supralocal development strategy. This article aims to assess supralocal development strategies as an instrument for integrated planning of Functional Urban Functional Areas (FUAs). The assessment focuses on the integration of strategic and spatial planning and the collaboration among local governments. The analysis encompasses the process of preparing 11 supralocal development strategies for FUAs of subregional centers, prepared under the nationwide Advisory Support Centre Plus (ASC+) project. The research methodology employed a critical review analysis of strategic documents and reports from ASC+ advisors cooperating with partnerships of local governments from FUA, complemented by author’s participant observation and interviews with advisors during the process of compiling the project’s summary report. Research on determinants of territorial cooperation in FUAs confirms the role of incentives in territorial instruments, precise delimitation of FUAs, and local authorities’ attitudes. Special attention is given to the institutional arrangements of municipal cooperation among FUAs. The process of integrated strategic planning on supralocal level along with establishment of bottom-up forms of municipal cooperation aimed at implementation of territorial instruments is sufficient to accomplish place-based approach for investment projects financed by European funds. However, these institutional arrangements are fundamentally inadequate for achieving integrated development planning for FUAs in Poland – particularly those with subregional cities. Supralocal development strategy is, therefore, an important but insufficient element of institutional setting to enhance integrated territorial planning and development in FUAs.