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ESPON data navigator – call for tender

A call for tender has been launched under the ESPON 2013 Programme to update the data navigator. The maximum budget available for the contract is €75,000 and all related documents can be accessed via the ESPON website. The deadline for submissions is 14:00 (CET) on 27 February 2012.

Latest ESPON newsletter available

The latest ESPON Newsletter is now available online. It highlights links to new reports such as the TranSMEC Final Report and outlines key activities planned for the coming year including a new Call for Proposals opening on 18 April 2012 (details of the Call to follow soon). In case you missed it, the newsletter also highlights our 'Planning for Growth - What can we learn from Europe?' conference report.

Centre for Cities publishes latest Outlook

The Centre for Cities has published its Cities Outlook 2012 which outlines cities across the UK in which economic growth is most likely over the next year, and those that are more vulnerable to economic stagnation.

Cliff Hague gives evidence to Scottish Parliament

The UK ESPON Contact Point’s Team Leader, Cliff Hague, recently gave evidence to the Local Government and Regeneration Committee of the Scottish Parliament in his capacity as Chair of the Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS). In his evidence on dangerous buildings and building MoTs, Cliff cited findings from the ESPON Climate project as he argued that “…as a country on the edge of the North Atlantic and with islands scattered in the path of low pressure systems, Scotland’s location requires more proactive governance of housing maintenance than in more balmy countries.” Read Cliff's full statement.

New European research project launched

A new project funded by the Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA) has begun to support the development of Rural Development Policy (RDP) measures which overcome rural challenges as well as address climate change goals. The project, named Optimal Strategies for Climate Change Action in Rural Areas (OSCAR), is being led by the Agriculture and Environment Research Unit at the University of Hertfordshire, and will run until the end of 2012.

It’s not difficult to become a smart city

In an interview with the European Metropolitan Network Institute (EMI), Heidy van Beurden, a communications specialist specialising in climate change and energy efficiency, says that ”becoming a Smart City has a lot of advantages in the long run”. She outlines some of the main challenges that cities must face to become smarter, such as creating synergies between sectors, sharing data and fostering behavioural change. Read the full interview.

Calls for papers

Sustaining regional futures

The Regional Studies Association Global Conference 2012 takes place in Beijing, China, from 24-27 June 2012. Papers on governance, city-regions, spatial planning and analysis are welcome, but abstracts must be submitted by 10 February 2012.

IFHP World Congress 2012

The International Federation for Housing and Planning (IFHP) is holding its 56^th world congress in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 16-19 September 2012. The congress theme is the inclusive city in a global world, and discussion will focus on how planners can contribute to counteracting social segregation in cities. Papers are welcomed on the concept of the inclusive city, and abstracts must be submitted by 15 February 2012.

Creative regions in Europe

A seminar being held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 18-19 April 2012 will focus on the role of local and regional policies and policy frameworks for creative regions. The seminar will specifically look at the challenges and opportunities of developing creative regions in Northern Europe, and papers are welcomed on theory and practice in this field. Submit your abstract by 1 March 2012.

Other publications

Panorama magazine winter edition published

The winter 2011/2012 edition of Panorama magazine gives an in-depth review of the new approach proposed for cohesion policy from 2014-2020. The magazine includes interviews with Alain Rousset, President of the Association of the Regions of France, and Anders Knape, President of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions.

Peak Oil discussion – implications for planning policy

RTPI networks have recently produced a discussion paper on the issue of Peak Oil and the implications for spatial planning.  It aims to promote discussion, raise awareness among transport and spatial planners of the issues around peak oil and suggest an agenda for action by professionals.

Other events

Promoting growth in the regions and Greater Manchester

New Economy Manchester is holding a briefing on the findings from the research programme ‘Promoting Growth in All Regions’. The research focused on how sub-national growth potential is realised in different regions. The event will take place in Manchester on 10 February 2012. Find out more or email Mike Doocey (mike.doocey@neweconomymanchester.com) to book a place.

Active ageing and solidarity between generations

The EU has designated 2012 as the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. A Committee of the Regions forum will look at how local and regional actors can improve conditions for active ageing in employment, participation in society, and independent living. The forum takes place on 14 February 2012 in Brussels. Register to attend.

Combined mobility – changing travel behaviour

The International Association of Public Transport (UIPT) is holding its 3rd International Combined Mobility Platform Workshop in London on 27 February 2012. The event will allow experts on mobility to discuss solutions for modern and flexible urban mobility. There are only a few places left, so book a place soon if you are interested in attending.

Serbian Spatial Planners’ Association conference

The Serbian Spatial Planners' Association conference is taking place in Zlatibor, Serbia, from 15-17 March 2012. The event is focused on the theme of local self-government in the planning and regulation of space and settlements, and applications for participation should be sent to Miroslav Maric (misamaric@apps.org.rs). Alternatively, call +381 6359 8929 for more information. 

Sustainable growth from oceans, seas and coasts

The 2012 European Maritime Day conference will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 21-22 May 2012. The high-level event will include plenary sessions on marine and maritime innovation and sustainable use of healthy seas through planning. Registration opens in February 2012.

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Author:

research team

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

03-Feb-12

Categories:

Espon 

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