Spatial thinking and policymaking in the UK: a spatial planning perspective

ABSTRACT There has been a lack of coherent spatial thinking in policymaking in the UK due to political and economic considerations. This discussion, based on a spatial planning perspective, explains how the UK government’s often aspatial approach to policymaking and hiding behind the façade of market-led ideology does not stand the test when examining the R&D regional expenditure patterns. It also illustrates that complex layers of administrative boundaries have created a confusing governance structure and closed development possibilities. It finally sheds light on the experience of being a critical friend of the policy community to engender mutual learning.