Planning – Leadership in the Age of Supercomplexity?

Abstract

This contribution explores the role of planning and planning education in the context of increasing uncertainty and “supercomplexity” in higher education and society. It reflects on the challenges faced by universities, including identity crises, lack of trust, and shifting expectations, and examines how planning as a discipline engages with these issues through interdisciplinarity, collaboration, and transformative practices. The text discusses the need for new pedagogical approaches that go beyond knowledge and skills, emphasizing critical thinking, adaptability, and a willingness to navigate uncertainty. Drawing on examples of collaborative and community-based learning, it highlights the importance of leadership in planning education for fostering resilience, innovation, and meaningful engagement with societal challenges.