Laboratory for Territorial Intelligence (LATI)

The Greater Region represents a heterogeneous planning area with different planning systems and cultures. Due to the existing spatial disparities and challenges, there is a growing need for knowledge exchange and practical cross-border spatial planning projects. LATI is an initiative developed within the framework of the two Interreg VA Greater Region projects “European Center for Competence and Knowledge in Border Studies (Border Studies)” and the “Spatial Development Concept of the Greater Region” (REKGR). It is carried out by six partner universities of the University of the Greater Region (UniGR) in cooperation with numerous strategic partners from politics, administration and research in the field of spatial planning (cf. section B of this application). On the one hand, the project aims at supporting the implementation of the operational strategy defined in the framework of the REKGR. The strategy was jointly developed by various political and administrative actors of the Greater Region in order to increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of the cross-border area in the long term. On the other hand, it intends to support the development of a territorial intelligence system for crossborder planning and the promotion of integrated cross-border governance in the field of spatial planning in three ways: 1. promoting efficient production and use of knowledge on cross-border spatial development. 2. creating and providing a common knowledge and exchange base with practices, insights and recommendations for action on territorial development. 3. targeted networking of relevant planning actors and levels in the Greater Region. With a total budget of nearly 4.7 million euros, of which just under 2.7 million euros are co financed by the European Union (ERDF), LATI will, over the next three years, empower cities, municipalities, and regions within the Greater Region to develop sustainable solutions for shared challenges such as adapting to climate change, achieving No Net Land Take, and enabling Transit-Oriented Development. Through these actions, the project directly contributes to the implementation of the Greater Region’s Territorial Development Strategy (SDT GR/REK-GR) by supporting territorial actors in operationalising its priorities and translating them into concrete, place based practices. Image caption: © Katrina Günther, Thinking Visual