Bridging analysis and planning

Practice of consensus-building for the rehabilitation of the Nakagawa Canal, Nagoya

Abstract

This presentation explores the role of geography in policymaking, drawing on the author’s research practices. "Policy" is broadly defined here as the formulation of goals and action plans by national and local governments, private enterprises, and civil society organisations. The author’s main focus is on how geography can offer insights into the essential function of policy: purposeful intervention in the present and future of regions and societies. To address this, the presentation examines both the analysis of cities and regions and planning theories, highlighting ways to bridge the gap between these two perspectives.