The papers of this book are concentrated around the topic of the development and the formulation of guiding principles, concepts or visions for spatial planning and policy. In German we use a term not yet well known in international contexts - Leitbilder. For the non-German audience it might be important to know that within the German context we are dealing with a rather complex federal system. In this regard, this book reflects the use of guiding principles, concepts or visions - Leitbilder - for spatial planning and policy at the different federal levels. This includes the European level or cross-border relations at the macro level and the micro level of the local community as well. It includes rather theoretical reflections about the "philosophies" behind such concepts as well as the very concrete analysis of local concepts required by local communities with different historical traditions and backgrounds.

"As an annual of the five leading German institutes working in the field of the analysis of spatial development and policies, this book will present discussions about the guiding principles for spatial development being a virulent new approach to the future development of Germany in spatial differentiation. The papers will discuss these guiding principles theoretically and empirically."

Preface #x2013; Introduction.- What is a #x201E;Leitbild#x201C;? Some Reflections on the Origin and use of the German Expression.- Engines of growth beyond Metropolitan Areas #x2013; Success Factors and Recommendations for Action to Support Development.- Integrated Leitbilder for Urban Development Policy: The Example of the University and Hanseatic City of Greifswald.- Growth and Innovation through Urban-Rural Partnership.- The Importance of Leitbilder for Structural Change in Small Towns.- Urban Metabolism and the Surface of the City.- Shaping Cultural Landscapes through Regional Governance.- The German-Polish Border Region from a German Perspective #x2013; quo vadis?.- Study of Spatial Developments in the Polish-German Border Region.- Concepts, Strategies and Guiding Principles for Europe#x2019;s Territorial Development.- Reflections on Leitbilder.