Principles and methods of co-ordinating the use of Federal funds for regional policy; illustrated by policy examples to do with planning policy, regional employment structure, and regional labour market policy
Hennings, G.
Beitrage zum Siedlungs und Wohnungswirtschaft zur Raumplanung 2: 356
1972
Document Number: 311118
The paper investigates various fundamental aspects of the complex problem of co-ordinating planning policies while accepting (1) that very little research has been carried out on the general subject of co-ordination, (2) that co-ordination in the continually expanding field of planning is urgently necessary, and (3) that very little progress has been made in the aim of reducing extreme regional differences (taking account of public services and economic performance) despite increased public expenditure and regional policy initiatives. Starting from the definition of terms, formal theoretical criteria are considered. With their help the results of co-ordination procedures during and after efforts at co-ordinating regional policy are scrutinized. Regional planning policy is institutionalized at the Federal, Lander and regional levels; in addition a distinction has to be made between those bearing responsibility for objectives, planning, finance, and putting plans into effect. The technical and organizational consequences of this are discussed; primary importance is laid on the fixing of concrete objectives and their co-ordination.