Thematic Modules
OPT-T1: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND LAND USE PLANNING
In recent decades, land use planning and governance have evolved into an increasingly sectoral and multi-level process. This shift is directly linked to the broader European integration initiative, which has established a framework for multilevel governance. European policies, in particular, have experienced a dual transformation marked by both centralization and decentralization. Authority has often been transferred upward to the EU’s supranational level while also being devolved downward to regional and local levels, thereby granting these entities greater influence over citizens’ daily lives (Todella et al., 2024).
This dynamic requires robust public participation and heightened citizen awareness, particularly in addressing systemic challenges such as the energy transition which represents a comprehensive restructuring of the entire energy supply system (including electricity, heating, and transportation) across multiple dimensions. Its success depends heavily on local engagement, as cities and communities are where the effects of the transition are most directly experienced, and where decisions regarding its implementation are made. Municipalities and local stakeholders play a pivotal role in this process by initiating, promoting, and executing transition projects or supporting local actors within a decentralized framework referred to as Local Energy Transition (LET).
In this context, this module builds upon the Erasmus+ project LOTUS (Locally Organised Transition of Urban Sustainable Spaces), which offers higher education tools designed to inspire students, city planners, architects, and administrative professionals across Europe. These tools aim to guide communities towards greener futures while enabling the transfer of successful practices across borders and national contexts.
In particular, this module builds upon one of the key tools developed under the LOTUS project as the Serious Game “urbEN”, a board game that fosters students’ innovative and creative capacities in addressing LET. By simulating the evaluation of diverse interests and integrating them into a holistic perspective, “UrbEN” serves as an effective educational tool to prepare students for the complexities of sustainable urban development.
Keywords:
Local Energy Transition, Serious Game, Educational Game, ERASMUS+ LOTUS project, Public Participation, Decision Processes.
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OPT-T2 Public Participation and Local Development Strategies
This focuses on the role of public participation in shaping and refining effective local development strategies. It highlights the indispensable value of engaging communities in decision-making, not merely as passive recipients of top-down policies but as active co-creators of development pathways. Local development initiatives can achieve greater inclusivity, responsiveness, and sustainability by involving the citizens. This participatory approach ensures that strategies align closely with the needs, values, and aspirations of the people they are designed to serve. The module seeks to provide a comprehensive introduction to various approaches and mechanisms that facilitate meaningful public engagement in the design process, offering students both theoretical insights and practical tools. One of the central themes of this module is the exploration of co-design methods.
In addition to digital tools like CODEMA, the module emphasises the importance of hybrid methodologies that combine digital and analogic tools. The module’s scope encompasses both theoretical foundations and practical applications. On the theoretical side, students are introduced to key concepts and frameworks in local development planning, such as participatory governance, social innovation, and sustainable development. On the practical side, the module offers hands-on experiences and case studies that illustrate how these concepts are applied in real-world contexts. Through this comprehensive approach, the module aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, enabling students to develop the skills and knowledge needed to become effective practitioners in the field of local development. By the end of the module, students will have gained a nuanced understanding of the dynamics of public participation and the tools and techniques required to engage communities effectively. They will also be equipped to design, implement, and evaluate local development projects that are innovative and grounded in the principles of inclusivity and sustainability.
Keywords:
Public Participation; Local Development Strategies; Co-design; Serious Games; Digital Tools
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OPT-T3: Participatory Planning in the context of Smart Cities
The module discusses the concept of smart cities, emphasizing the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to enhance urban living and governance. It outlines the evolution of smart city models. The importance of participatory planning is highlighted, advocating for the engagement of various stakeholders, including government, industry, academia, and the public, to create a shared vision for urban development that aligns with the needs of residents.
Furthermore, the module identifies challenges in citizen engagement, such as complexity, inclusivity, and trust issues, which can hinder meaningful participation in smart city initiatives. It emphasizes the necessity of effective communication and transparency in decision-making processes to foster trust among community members. Various participatory planning approaches, including participatory prototyping and co-production, are proposed to enhance community involvement and ensure that urban development reflects the aspirations of all stakeholders. The module ultimately advocates for a balanced integration of technology and active citizen participation to create sustainable and inclusive urban environments
The module is intended to familiarize students with the concept of citizen engagement for smart city development and participatory planning in the context of smart cities in general. In more detail, it aims to help students:
- develop a basic understanding of the role of PPL in smart city development
- familiarize themselves with different approaches of citizen engagement in the smart cities’ context, as well as new methods and tools
- Understand the dynamics and challenges of participatory planning in the smart city context
- Identify critical factors for successful citizen engagement (citizen role, level of engagement etc)
Keywords:
Participatory Planning; Citizen Engagement; Inclusive Participation; Smart Cities, Quadruple Helix
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OPT-T4: Participatory Planning for Sustainable Mobility
- Short description
Sustainable mobility incorporates different aspects related to the environmental, social and economic pillars of sustainable development into the evolution of transport systems. The diversity of these aspects and the complexity of their inter-relations requires a holistic transport planning approach with the need to deeply understand the local context and to design citizen-oriented solutions. Public participation is key to fulfill those needs and accelerate the shift towards sustainable mobility. In this framework, the SUMP Guidelines, which define the strategic planning guidelines for sustainable mobility in European urban areas, describe specific participatory planning methods and tools to actively involve and engage stakeholders and citizens throughout the planning process.
The current Module discusses the role and significance of public participation for sustainable urban mobility, the main benefits and challenges from participatory transport planning and the ways that the involvement and engagement of society is integrated into Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMP). The Module aims to: i. Familiarize students/learners with the social aspect of sustainable transport; ii. Introduce students/learners to the types and roles of stakeholders and citizen groups and the contributions and challenges of public participation in respect to planning for and promoting sustainable mobility; iii. Present to students/learners the principles and approaches for PPL in transport planning; iv. Explain to students/learners the integration of PPL into the SUMP process; v. Enable students/learners to identify and effectively use appropriate digital PPL tools in transport planning.
Keywords:
Sustainable Mobility; Planning; Public Participation; Inclusiveness; Public Acceptance; SUMP
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OPT-T5: Public Participation for Walkable and Cyclable Neighbourhoods
- Short description
The module focuses on the planning of walkable and cyclable neighbourhoods through public participation. It defines neighbourhoods as both physical and social constructs, emphasising the importance of walking and cycling for enhancing quality of life and community interaction. It outlines the benefits of walkable and cyclable neighbourhoods, which include health, environmental, economic, and social advantages, while also addressing the challenges in planning such areas, including infrastructural limitations and social inequities and it discusses how public participation in the planning process can help to overcome those challenges.
Engaging citizens and local stakeholders is highlighted as crucial for understanding community needs and ensuring that planning for walkable and cyclable neighbourhoods aligns with the desires of the people living or operating in it. Various participatory approaches and tools are discussed, including surveys, focus groups, public open houses, living labs and digital tools, which facilitate effective engagement and feedback from diverse neighbourhood members. The module also points out the importance of inclusivity in the planning process, advocating for the involvement of marginalised groups and individuals with disabilities to ensure that the needs of all community members are addressed. Overall, it presents a framework for fostering community involvement in creating sustainable and accessible urban environments.
In this context, the present module aims at: i) familiarise students/learners with the concepts and benefits of Walkable and Cyclable Neighbourhoods and the challenges in the planning process, ii) present approaches of public participation in planning for Walkable and Cyclable Neighbourhoods, iii) prepare students/learners for using digital tools for PPL in pedestrian and bicycle planning.
Keywords:
Walkable Neighbourhoods; Cyclable Neighbourhoods; Active Transportation; Public Participation
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OPT-T6: Participatory Planning in Rural Development
This course introduces students to the complexities of rural development, focusing on participatory strategies and the integration of cultural and social diversity. Through an exploration of socio-economic and technological challenges faced by marginalised rural communities, students will learn to propose effective, inclusive strategies for sustainable development. Emphasis is placed on understanding and applying the principles of participatory planning within the context of EU rural development frameworks, including relevant agendas and instruments.
By the end of the course, students will critically assess the role of rural identities in shaping public participation and develop approaches that foster diversity and inclusion in development programmes. They will also evaluate the effectiveness of EU policies and instruments in supporting participatory planning in rural areas.
Keywords:
Rural Development; Participatory Planning; Social and Spatial Inclusion; EU Rural Frameworks
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OPT-T7: Participatory Budgeting and Social Participation in Rural Areas
The module introduces students to the principles and practices of participatory budgeting (PB) in the unique context of rural development. Students will explore the history and evolution of PB, its challenges in rural settings, and its potential to foster social participation and sustainable development. Key topics include the role of local governments and stakeholders, effective community engagement strategies, and real-world case studies from diverse regions. By critically analysing these examples, students will develop the ability to assess the impact of PB and social participation in rural projects. The module culminates in a practical exercise, where students design and propose a PB process or project, demonstrating their understanding and creativity in addressing rural development needs.
The main goals of the module are:
- Introducing students to the concept of participatory budgeting (PB),
- Explore the role of social participation in shaping development in rural areas,
- Allowing students to identify specific benefits, limitations, and challenges of implementing PB in rural communities,
- Encourage students to design a potential project that can be implemented in PB.
Students will be able to explain the core principles of PB and how they apply the rural planning context. The course can be supported by MS Teams tools.
Keywords:
Participatory Budgeting; Rural Areas; Stakeholder Analysis; Local Community
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OPT-T8: Geography and Public Participation
This course emphasises the role of geography in addressing complex human-environmental interactions through public participation, focusing on integrating social, economic, and environmental values. Students will gain practical, both geographical and sociological knowledge of participation tools and learn to analyse their application across diverse spatiotemporal contexts. Emphasis is placed on aligning public participation with sustainable development goals and adapting approaches to fit differentiated development paradigms. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically evaluate and design public participation strategies, promoting sustainable and inclusive development in dynamic spaces and places.
Keywords:
Geography; Public Participation; Sustainable Development; Spatiotemporal Contexts; Social Sciences; Environmental Sciences
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OPT-T9: Participatory Planning in Tourism and Destination Management
Participatory planning in tourism and destination management refers to the approach to actively involve all stakeholders – including regulatory bodies, local communities, businesses, and tourists – in the decision-making process about managing the destinations. Participatory planning in tourism incorporates diverse perspectives and local knowledge to address the unique needs and aspirations of communities, mitigate potential negative impacts, and enhance the overall visitor experience. This approach holds significant multidisciplinary value, bridging the gap between business-oriented tourism training, which often focuses on destination marketing and planning-oriented programs that view tourism primarily as a sectoral policy. By integrating both business and policy perspectives, this Module offers a more comprehensive approach to tourism and destination management from the macroeconomic perspective. It enriches existing curricula by addressing sustainability challenges and emphasizing the careful planning of the carrying capacity of host communities, fostering a balance between development and preservation.
The Module aims to (i) discuss policies, regulations, and planning frameworks that guide tourism development, including how to navigate and influence these arrangements; (ii) analyse the social, economic, and environmental dynamics of destinations, including how these factors influence tourism planning; (iii) familiarize students and learners with the principles and methodologies of participatory planning because of stakeholder engagement in tourism development and (iv) explain the liaison between participatory planning and sustainable destination management in tourism. The content focuses on the natural and human elements of tourism destinations, the multifaceted impacts of development, the role of policies and stakeholder interventions, participatory planning processes, and the importance of sustainable, ethical, and digital approaches in tourism and destination management.
Keywords:
Destination Management; Tourism; Stakeholder Engagement; Planning; Public Participation; Sustainability
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OPT-T10: Framing Sustainable Heritage Management through Public Participation
The “Framing Sustainable Heritage Management through Public Participation” module examines the core principles of sustainable heritage management, focusing on the critical balance between safeguarding cultural assets and addressing the needs of contemporary urban development. It encourages students to critically assess various public participation models, where communities play an active role in shaping heritage management decisions.
The primary objectives of the module are:
- To introduce students to the principles of sustainable heritage management, focusing on balancing the preservation of cultural assets with modern-day needs.
- To provide knowledge about different models of participation in heritage management, emphasizing how communities can play an active role in decision-making processes.
- To explore, through real-world case studies, the challenges and opportunities associated with repurposing heritage sites for modern use.
Keywords:
Sustainable Heritage Management; Participatory Planning; Public Participation; Post-Industrial Sites; Urban Revitalization
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OPT-T11: Cultural Diversity and Public Participation
Culture plays a crucial role in shaping people’s values, attitudes and behaviours while engaging in individual and collective in social, political, and civic activities. Cultural norms can influence what is considered acceptable or unacceptable behaviour, as well as what is deemed credible or unreliable information. It provides a framework for interpreting information and events, affects how people respond to new information and what they consider acceptable or unacceptable when acting as individuals and in groups. Accordingly, civic activism and the organisation, management, intensity of and public participation differ across communities, regions and countries due to varying perceptions and trust in collective decision-making that are pre-defined by culture. Understanding the cultural aspects of group dynamics is crucial for designing effective and inclusive participation processes, particularly in managing participatory planning in a way that brings genuine value to communities. Considering the elements of culture and cultural diversity about participatory planning in formal and informal education will add quality to the training programs that are offered with mainstream degree programs and with modular courses that enable planning practitioners, public administrators and decision-makers to upskill as to the concurrent social developments nationally, in Europe and worldwide.
Against this background, the Module provides a general overview the role of culture in shaping individual and group experiences in public life, introduces the principles and practices of public participation, especially in the context of diverse communities and considers different models and approaches to participatory democracy, civic engagement and policy-making about planning. It is designed to equip learners with practical skills and competences to promote inclusion and participation at work. The training content starts with some theoretical approaches to culture and cultural differences and moves to practice-related issues as distribution of power and civic activism, impact of culture on policy and decision-making, models, and approaches to public participation in different cultural contexts while focusing on planning.
Keywords:
Culture; Cultural Values; Cultural Diversity; Cultural Context; Civic Activism; Power Distance; Information Permeability; Participation
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OPT-T12: The Economics of Participatory Planning
Economic considerations are a key aspect of successfully implementing participatory democracy within planning processes. Effectively assessing the financial implications of public participation is essential for ensuring cost-efficiency, accountability, and the long-term viability of planning initiatives. These evaluations help decision-makers select the most suitable participation methods, and activities, and organize them to maximize public benefit. This includes accounting for direct costs like organizing meetings, communication, and administrative support, as well as indirect costs such as participants’ time and effort. Transparent financial oversight also builds trust among stakeholders, encouraging ongoing support from funders, policymakers, and the public. Without robust financial evaluation, participation initiatives risk inefficiency, poor management, and reduced overall impact. Yet, few training programs in formal and informal education address the issue when teaching subjects related to planning and public administration, particularly when the legal aspects are taken to the front at the expense of the economic ones.
The Module provides a general overview of the economic principles of participatory planning and introduces some tools that have been successfully used by public authorities in Europe and beyond to this end. It aims to (i) familiarize students and learners with the economic aspect of the participatory planning process, (ii) discuss how the resources invested in participatory planning compare to the potential benefits, and (iii) suggest strategies to balance effectively costs and benefits in PPL. The training content focuses on the economic costs of participatory planning regarding resources, time, and finance; on the benefits of participatory planning such as enhanced stakeholder satisfaction and implementation support; on the methods for evaluating costs and benefits as well as the participatory value evaluation (PVE) concept.
Keywords:
Costs; Benefits; Cost-Befit Analysis; Resources; Evaluation Of Participatory Value
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OPT-T13: Public Participation and E-Governance
As a core pillar of an open government, public participation has intrinsic and instrumental benefits. It leads to a better and more democratic policymaking process, which becomes more transparent, inclusive, legitimate, and accountable. It enhances public trust in government and democratic institutions by giving citizens and stakeholders a role in public decision making. By taking into account and using citizens’ and stakeholders’ experience and knowledge, it helps public institutions tackle complex policy problems and leads to better policy results.
The use of digital tools for public participation is a widespread practice at all levels of government around the world. It is normal for public authorities to be prone to reach out to the public using digital tools, as it might seem more accessible, easy to put in place, allowing for instantaneous and massive participation.
However, the selection of digital tools should not be the starting point when planning or designing a public participation process. There should first be clarity about the purpose, stage of the policy cycle, expected inputs and how they will be used, and the participation method. Only then is it relevant to ask if (and if yes, which) digital tools are the most appropriate.
Moreover, before using digital tools for participation, public authorities must take into account the existing digital divides as well as ensuring that the selected technology is transparent and accountable. The use of digital tools that ensure inclusion and impactful participation also requires technical, human, and financial resources.
The module aims to help students:
- Develop a basic understanding of public participation
- Identify the potential and challenges of the use of digital tools for public participation
- Comprehend the key success factors in designing public participation initiatives
Keywords:
E-Participation; Public Administration; Open Government; Citizen Engagement; Democracy
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