How do we plan from here? Innovative planning practices in rural areas facing demographic realities

This paper explores how a realistic and innovative planning approach can address demographic challenges in rural areas. It tests the Rural Planning and Innovation Lab, a strategic planning model that has been implemented in Switzerland, Sweden and Norway. The test indicates that the model serves as a vehicle for the development of innovative strategies, thus supporting place-baced strategies that can make paradigm shifts possible. The study underscores the need to decouple development from population growth, which enables planning in shrinking regions through collaboration between planning authorities and civil society. We contribute to the discussion and further development of innovative planning models.