Transboundary Spaces, Policy Diffusion and Planning Cultures – A New Thematic Group for AESOP

Abstract

This article introduces a new AESOP Thematic Group focused on transboundary spaces, policy diffusion, and planning cultures. It outlines the theoretical background, motivations for launching the group, and key issues to be addressed. The group seeks to explore how spatial planning ideas and practices travel across borders and how they are adapted within different national contexts. It places particular emphasis on Europeanisation, territorial cooperation, and the challenges of integrating diverse planning cultures. The article also provides an overview of the group’s inaugural symposium held in Kaiserslautern in 2016 and announces plans for upcoming workshops and publications.