Scenrios of Austria’s spatial and regional development in the European context

The inter- and transdiscipliary research project aims at the formulation of spatial and regional development scenarios for Austria in the European context. These scenarios – as the foundation of the (re-)design of spatial policies – have to be based on broad consensus. Therefore, the research aims are interlinked with the requirement for a well-organised and moderated internal and external communication process. For nine sectors and issues (e.g. mobility and transport, Energy, Agriculture and Forestry, life styles and consumer demand) development hypotheses are derived from existing data and literature. Concise sectoral scenarios are planned in form of “Future Briefings” and integrated to consistent trans-sectoral scenarios. The main work package focuses on the translation of these sectoral and trans-sectoral scenarios into differentiated and context-specific spatial scenarios for different spatial units and types. Presentation tools may include graphic schemes, photo compositions, and maps of synthetic indices (e.g., regions of threats and regions of opportunities, regions of change or stability/stagnation). The main outcome of the project includes diverging development scenarios and derived recommendations for Austria’s spatial policies. For the external communication three sectoral workshops (on social, economic and ecological issues), a trans-sectoral workshop and a conference on spatial developments and policy recommendations will be organised. For more details, see: http://www.oerok.gv.at/raum-region/themen-und-forschungsbereiche/szenarien-der-raumentwicklung.html