New methodologies in regional development planning: the case of the Republic of Croatia (472)

Theme Track: Regional and Urban Planning - Regional Governance

Authors:
Sisinacki, Jelena ; Sumpor, Marijana

More than a decade ago transition started with formally breaking ties with everything what might have been part of the old system. Therefore, planning in general was discouraged and deemed as unnecessary. At the same time, a centralised governing system was build up, where the Central Government became responsible for everything. However, the Republic of Croatia's Government is organised as a three-tier system: central, regional and local government. Strategic development plans that refer to the central level usually become legal documents after being published in the official gazette. While on regional and local level, the only planning documents, which obtain a legal status according to law, are spatial plans that regularly lack adequate socio-economic foundations. Due to the initiated decentralisation process, responsibilities for regional and local actions are being shifted to lower levels. Many counties (regional governments) as well as cities and municipalities (local governments) have now identified the need for own development strategies. But, a very common problem with strategic documents is the implementability of strategies prepared by external experts. Generally, a new awareness about an integrative approach in development planning is evolving, where social, economic, environmental, spatial and institutional aspects shall be taken into account and shall be based on extensive local participation. With the aim to create an adequate regional development planning methodology and support regional development policy, the project 'Regional Development Planning in Croatia' was launched. In the meantime, several case studies have been completed and results of this new approach will be presented in this paper.

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