Abstract
Gottlieb Daimler and Robert Bosch, two pioneers of motorcar-engineering, were born in Stuttgart Region, an area that is often considered the cradle of the automobile. In fact, the contribution of car manufacturing to the region’s jobs, GDP and prosperity is outstanding. For that reason, the apparent transformation from combustion engines to electric powertrains (and new mobility concepts in general) will cause far reaching changes – in terms of production and supply, research and development, but also in the local economy and labor market. These changes are not disruptive, but rather a gradual process. In spatial terms this causes an – probably temporary – additional demand for industrial sites: Existing factories, that are still in use, plus locations for the development of facilities for emerging technologies. Unlike the transformation of e.g. military facilities, the development of a “post-oil” mobility industry needs additional sites – sites that are hard to find in a densely populated area. The Verband Region Stuttgart, a public institution responsible for comprehensive regional planning and development, is focused on the foresighted provision of locations for this specific use (e.g. accessibility and infrastructure, reduction of environmental impact). Enhancing the resilience of the region has been challenging even before the pandemic hit the globe: an aging population, climate sensitive energy supply and mobility as well as the need for competitiveness on a global scale, already set a high benchmark. However, the impacts of the Corona outbreak will pose additional challenges. Foremost, narrow public budgets limit the options of authorities responsible for land use planning, zoning and infrastructure provision. Also, an increased awareness for health and safe living conditions – triggered by the experience of week-long lock downs – will have an impact on the disposal, development and design of public spaces. In addition, uncertainties will grow in many respects and lead to difficulties in gaining acceptance and political majorities. At the same time, Covid-19 boosts resilience concepts in comprehensive spatial planning. Stuttgart Regions` governance is coined by a directly elected assembly that mirrors all aspects of the political spectrum. Hence, strategy formulation and decision making are highly political issues with a strong supra-municipal scope. Considering the upcoming demands, Stuttgart Region reviewed the procedures for regional development, following four main principles that may also be applicable to other regions. Enhance efficiency and leverage synergies: - Identify and highlight synergetic effects of spatial/urban development - Give focus to multi-functionality and added value Underline the effects of open spaces on health and well-being Streamline planning and decision-making procedures: - Provide strategic support for municipalities in planning and public outreach - Ensure the regional scope of local decisions and the vertical integration across administrative tiers - Coordinate und integrate specialized strategies - Provide digital data for implementation in planning procedures - Better the statement of reasons Trigger development: - Focus on implementation; get things done - Pro-active use of regional competences in public transport and development of open spaces - Coordinate and trigger measures to improve communication infrastructure Foster innovation capacity: - (International) Networking - Cooperation with universities / researchers - Test new instruments for regional development (e.g. horticulture festival, building exhibition) - Acquire third-party-funding (for pilot projects) - Take part in international development cooperations All activities follow robust and mandatory planning documents based on professional expertise, reliable databases and broad political commitment. In doing so, the approach bridges the gap between long-term strategic planning aiming at the continuity of development strategies and changing economic conditions, individualization of society, a growing range of political objectives and unforeseen, game-changing events. References: Priebs, A. (2019): Die Stadtregion. Stuttgart: UTB Vallée, D. (Ed.) (2012): Strategische Regionalplanung. Hannover: ARL
