L'aménagement du territoire néerlandais: Vue d'ensemble de l'évolution des idées

The specific formula of Dutch Planning has evoluated during the past decades from a closed comprehensive system toward a more open way of planning. Although the overall effect of the planning is - more often than not - judged positively (and therewith the planning system), its reputation has become somewhat mystified. One could wonder whether the positive results were due tot public efforts in planning or are ohter cimcumstances more important for the present condition of Dutch metropolitan areas? These questions will be tackled in this article. The core argument leads to the conception that public policy is only one source of influence and that other arrangements or developments are much more important. Also, public policies change with the political agenda on which priorities continuously change. Looking at future developments within the Dutch institutional arrangements the most urging question remains whether or not metropolitan areas will be adequately positioned to tackle the specific ussues in each different areas. Not only to solve existing porblems, this institutional condition will prove important, but especially when it come to creating innovation and creating new ideas for metropolitan development.