Keywords

• The concept â€
• “
• as introduced by Peter Galison in the field of history and sociology of science to better understand scientific innovation processes â€
• “
• can be useful
• the author argues
• also to rethink planning theories and practice. The underlying idea is that innovation and consensus are not necessarily achieved by agreeing about all goals and values involved in the process
• but when even a limited trading zone is set up among stakeholders who bear different
• and even conflicting visions and strategies. The implications for planning can be manifold: the author highlights
• in particular
• a different vision of participatory processes
• as well as
• more generally
• a new way of considering planning itself as a trading zone where different
• conflicting positions clash and
• nevertheless
• might converge towards feasible solutions. These issues are developed
• in particular
• through a specific planning case
• the strategic planning process for the Province of Milan
• where the author himself has been involved