Spatial Development Strategies in Multi-Level Systems of Political Governance

Issues related to spatial development have gained substantial relevance in contemporary multi-level political governance systems. Current global trends indicate growing disparities between regions, challenges in managing intergovernmental relations, intensified processes of regionalization, and uncertainties resulting from rapid demographic, economic, and geopolitical transformations. Recent studies highlight persistent institutional challenges, such as varying governance capacities, power asymmetries, and inadequate collaboration mechanisms across municipal, regional, national, and supranational entities. These barriers frequently result in fragmented or inconsistent spatial policy, hindering the creation and successful implementation of strategies that adequately address regional needs and priorities. While explorations of comparative governance have provided initial insights into principles and mechanisms suited for multi-level environments, there remains a prominent need for in-depth analysis of how different political governance frameworks influence spatial outcomes and provide effective coordination between various governance layers.

This Research Topic aims to analyze and advance knowledge of the design, coordination, and effectiveness of spatial development strategies within multi-level systems of political governance. Our objectives include uncovering how intergovernmental coordination can be enhanced, how institutional and decision-making processes influence spatial policy outcomes, and how stakeholders from different governance levels effectively harmonize conflicting interests, allocate resources, and manage uncertainties. We seek answers to fundamental questions regarding the mechanisms and institutional arrangements that facilitate or complicate spatial strategy development, considering factors such as asymmetric power distribution, stakeholder participation, and the impact of contextual global and local shifts on spatial governance initiatives.

To clearly define the scope and range, this Research Topic encompasses empirical and theoretical research specifically targeting spatial policy-making processes, governance modalities, and resultant territorial effects within multi-level political governance contexts. We particularly encourage contributions addressing the following themes:

• power asymmetry, institutional variability, and their implications for spatial governance
• collaborative and participatory approaches enhancing governance integration and effectiveness
• comparative analyses of spatial development frameworks across diverse political governance systems
• innovative methodologies, experiments, and mixed-method approaches advancing spatial policy strategies
• cross-border cooperation and regional governance strategies in spatial development contexts
• institutional and regulatory roles influencing policy implementation and coordinated spatial interventions.

We welcome submissions employing Comparative Governance frameworks that explicitly connect governance structures with spatial development outcomes, aiming for an interdisciplinary engagement that significantly enriches theory, methodology, and practical implementations.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Political governance, Spatial development, Multi-level systems, Spatial policy, Territorial planning, Institutions, Power asymmetries, Intergovernmental coordination, Spatial disparities, Sustainable governance

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.