clearing a path between planners, planning policy and academics - perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of planning research

摘要

In developing and promoting a 'unified approach to research' the RTPI's new research programme aims to address the research needs of planners (largely defined) and to strengthen knowledge exchange between the different 'communities' involved in planning research. Important practical steps -such as upstream and downstream engagement of practitioners, policy-makers and the public at large in all research endeavours; clarity on aims, implementation and possible limits of research projects; rigorous research design and methodology; and knowledge transfer at all stages of the research process - should enhance collaborative exercises between practitioners, policy-makers and academics. They should also facilitate the production of multiple research outputs, resulting in better practice, advancement of academic knowledge on planning issues, and potential improvement of the political context for planning.