AESOP’s Thematic Groups – Part 2: Complexity & Planning

Abstract

This article presents the goals, development, and scholarly output of AESOP’s Thematic Group on Complexity and Planning. Founded in 2005, the group brings together researchers interested in applying complexity theories to urban and regional planning. It explores concepts such as self-organization, non-linearity, and adaptive systems through regular meetings, conference tracks, and workshops. The group has produced two edited volumes and several special issues in peer-reviewed journals, addressing the impact of complexity on governance, simulation methods, and urban transformation. Events cover themes from digitalization to networked urban governance, and the group fosters both theoretical reflection and practical applications. With over 200 members, it provides a dynamic platform for both newcomers and experienced researchers engaged in complexity-oriented planning scholarship.