Discussion on viability planning and virtual statecraft

What do UGoveRN do on a Friday afternoon? They dive deep into the world of governance arrangements and explore the complex intersections between viability planning and virtual statecraft.

This was the focus of a recent discussion session that brought together UGoveRN members to explore the work of Professor Mike Raco. It was the first of several ‘reading club’ meetings surrounding this work in preparation for Mike Raco’s upcoming UGoveRN keynote lecture in May 2023.

UGoveRN members explored the meaning of viability planning and virtual statecraft, and discussed how Mike Raco’s work compares to contexts other than England. From a range of different perspectives, the group explored the ways in which governance arrangements are shaped by this type of planning.

Throughout the session, members of UGoveRN shared their knowledge and insights, discussing the implications of viability planning for different groups of people, including developers, and local authorities. They also examined the ways in which virtual statecraft is reshaping the terrain of governance arrangements and how this may impact the future of planning in urban areas.

Looking ahead to the upcoming keynote lecture, the group is now focused on formulating a set of valuable questions that they can bring to the conversation. By leveraging their collective knowledge and insights, they hope to make the most of the opportunity to engage with Mike Raco and explore their governance understandings in greater depth.