The Impact of Information and Communication Technology on Urban and Regional Planning

This article examines the need and possibilities to develop urban and regional planning practices due to both the emergence of the information/knowledge/network society and especially the impact of the information and communication technology, ICT, on spatial change. The findings are based on the views represented in literature and on the opinions of Finnish urban and regional planners. Current spatial development trends are highlighted by the changing economic basis when knowledge and skilled people are becoming the most important factors in production, and by the new functional and organisational possibilities of activities. As a consequence the traditional ways of running businesses in industry, services and other organisations, as well activities in every day life, will change. Also the prerequisites of locations of different activities will have new determinants. These developments will have diversified spatial impact. Therefore ICT, as the main driving force of the development of the information society, should be taken into account in urban and regional planning as a new aspect. Planners should recognise this new need and challenge. The incorporation of the spatial impact of ICT into planning practices does not occur without purposeful actions by those who are responsible for practical planning and by those who regulate and support planning. There is a need for further information, knowledge and understanding about the spatial impact of ICT and about its consequences on urban and regional development. Planners need updated education and training as well as new planning methods and models based on new spatial and urban theories. Also planning legislation and governmental guidelines should include provisions for the impact of the development of the information society and ICT on planning