Keynote 3 : Attention economics, artificial intelligence, and the future of the planning profession

Abstract

In this key talk, Jonathan Metzger explores the rapidly evolving role of generative AI in urban and regional planning. Using the example of the Swedish AI assistant "Louvisa," Metzger argues that we are entering a new era in planning practice defined by the increasing delegation of cognitive tasks to machines. He proposes the concept of "synthetic competent attention" to understand AI's potential, drawing from the field of attention economics. Through a small experiment with a generative AI model (GPT), Metzger illustrates how current AI tools can already perform complex planning-related tasks at near-professional levels. However, he also warns about issues like AI hallucinations and the risk of increased labor market inequality. He concludes that planners and educators must act now to shape how AI is integrated into planning processes — not to replace planners, but to strengthen the profession by redirecting human attention to where it matters most.