On 25th-26th June 2024, a training workshop entitled “How to assess the spatial implications of infrastructure projects in Primorje-Gorski County using TIA tools?” was held in the premises of Akvarij at the University of Rijeka campus for employees of the Institute for Physical Planning of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and close associates.
ESPON (European Spatial Planning Observation Network) is a European network for monitoring spatial development, which consists of 28 EU member states and four partner states. ESPON is a programme of interregional cooperation that, by monitoring, collecting and disseminating spatial data and studies about the spatial development of the countries participating in the programme, analyses the effects of sectoral policies in the EU and contributes to the creation of an effective EU cohesion policy. Several tools have been developed within the ESPON programme, amongst which is the ESPON TIA tool – a tool for the assessment of the territorial impact assessment.
The concept of territorial impact assessment (TIA) is a systematic process used to determine the potential effects of policies or projects on specific regions, usually in ex-ante settings. It examines various dimensions, such as their economic, social and impacts on the environment, as well as the dimension of governance, in order to understand how these changes will affect the territory in question. TIA helps policymakers and planners identify both positive and negative impacts, ensuring informed decision-making that promotes balanced regional development. By choosing the appropriate method from amongst the many options, TIA provides a comprehensive insight into a region’s vulnerabilities and advantages.
The aim of the TIA training/workshop was to impart to the participants all the basic skills needed to carry out a territorial impact assessment on a specific policy/project, including policy assessment, the selection of an appropriate approach, the conceptualisation of the workshop, the preparation of indicators, conducting the workshop, and completion and reporting. The experts who developed the ESPON TIA tool from ÖIR – Austrian Institute for Spatial Planning, Mr Erich Dalhammer and Mr Roland Gaugitsch, led the two-day training workshop.