Abstract
The article outlines the principal strategic problems faced by comprehensive spatial planners in the German implementation system. These problems are rooted in a fragmented administrative structure with highly autonomous decision-making bodies in vertical (state and local authorities) as well as horizontal (strong sectoral linkages) dimensions. In drawing on research results from a comparative research project in three German states, the article discusses the influence of institutional arrangements on the ability of spatial planners to overcome these obstacles. It is found that procedural arrangements for day-to-day decision-making have a strong influence which so far has been widely neglected. The article also draws conclusions on the effectiveness of various implementation strategies, pointing out some reasons why ‘soft’ influence strategies are more likely to lead toward desired results.
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