Ad-hoc Working Group “Spatial Impacts of Digitalization”

In the field of digitalization, development trends for technology and specialized planning are gradually emerging, and political frameworks—such as network coverage in Germany—have been incorporated into the current coalition agreement. However, the effects of digitalization on space and regional planning are still scarcely researched.

For the state of Baden-Württemberg, the working group focused on the following questions: What roles can town and city centers play in competition with the growing online retail sector? Do the location requirements of Industry 4.0 allow for different land-use mixes or alternative locations? Can increasing automation help manage rising mobility in a more sustainable way? What frameworks and infrastructures are necessary to ensure digitalization develops sustainably and is compatible with spatial planning?

The working group summarized its findings in a position paper, outlining concrete requirements for guiding the expansion of digital networks, ensuring public services and equal living conditions, and supporting planning processes. The position paper was published in the ARL publishing series in the summer of 2022.