Pluricentric coordination in regional planning: the enhancement of planning possibilities in complex governance situations

The article presents a new theoretical concept of p luricentric coordination developed from three strands of theory: public governance theory, relati onal planning theory and narrative organization theory. In several European countries we have witne ssed a change at the regional levels towards a non-hierarchical and relational governance situatio n without a strong regional planning unit. Pluricentric coordination is a potential for some f orm of governance in such a fragmented governance situation. Pluricentric coordination is brought to life through governance processes that provide dynamic, selective, interactive and ov erlapping linkages promoting communication between otherwise disconnected stories and practice s. These “floating” coordination elements can develop into temporary institutionalizations and pr ovide multiple orders and temporary restings (fixations) created in the coordination process. Th e concept is illustrated and discussed in presenting a Danish case study of a regional planni ng authority changing its role from a regional hierarchic planning authority making regional bindi ng plans to a new role as a strategic and coordinating planning institution, creating a regio nal non-binding development strategy. The regional authority is positioned as one of many act ors in a fragmented regional planning arena. The result of the case study, which illustrates a l earning process lasting 4-5 years reveals barriers but also the potentials for enhancement of pluricen tric coordination. The barriers were related to mental maps and role perceptions, organisational ma tters and forms of involvement, planning competences and major power conflicts. The driving forces were the development of a common understanding of the necessity for collaboration am ong regional actors, organisational changes in regional administration to make room for more horiz ontal coordination and cross sector cooperation, and new planning competences in strate gic link- and story making work. The article concludes by discussing the general contribution of the concept of pluricentric coordination to other regional planning contexts.