The future of the profession: An analysis of the challenges facing the next generation of planners

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a qualitative survey conducted by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) between March and May 2019. As part of broader work currently being carried out by the RTPI on the make-up, diversity and future of the planning profession, this exploratory study targeted just over 50 planning professionals working in the public, private and academic sectors to reflect upon the main challenges that planners will face in the near future. Reported here are their responses grouped under three thematic headings: 1) critical issues summarises planners’ views about the most pressing problems practitioners will have to confront (eg climate change and the creation of healthy and inclusive environments); 2) new skills highlights the various skill sets practitioners considered essential to deal with future challenges (eg technical, digital but also interpersonal skills); and 3) ethos and value focuses on the efforts needed, according to our respondents, to promote ethics and high standards in all aspects of the profession. The final section of the paper reflects upon the potential implication of these findings for the future of the profession — in particular, planning practice and education.