Transferability in Cross-National Planning and Urban Policy Research: a Mapping Method and pilot demonstration
Abstract
In cross-national study, learning from example is limited by transferability, which may be constrained by differences in contextual factors affecting planning and urban policy. A method is presented of generating groups of countries that are similar on selected contextual factors. The method is demonstrated by countries grouped into groups of varying similarity in their planning and urban policy-relevant contexts, using as variables development, size, centralization, proportion of public sector, and culture. The analysis produces groups of relatively similar countries, and others which are somewhat distinct or relatively unique. Transferability of planning and urban policy research findings and planning experience may be inferred using these country-groups as a map. The method can be applied using other variables relevant to the specific analysis.
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