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Olivier Sykes

Dr Olivier Sykes
PhD, MCD, BA, SFHEA

Discipline Lead for Planning and Senior Lecturer in European Spatial Planning
Geography and Planning

Research

My research focuses on urban and territorial planning systems and related fields of urban and regional policy. My research often adopts an international and comparative perspective and has included work on EU Cohesion Policy and regional policy in European states, urban regeneration, heritage and cultural planning, city regional governance, planning education, and the response of planners and planning systems to the global agenda for planning constituted by the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and New Urban Agenda.

My book with David Shaw and Brian Webb International Planning Studies was published in 2023. A summary of the book's contents and main arguments can be found here.

In February 2024 my new book Planning in a Failing State - Reforming Spatial Governance in England co-edited with Professor John Sturzaker (University of Hertdfordshire) was published. A summary of some of the book's contents and main arguments can be found here.

Research grants

Examining intra-regional inequalities and developing pathways towards resilient and inclusive revitalisation: Theory and Practice

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH COUNCIL

July 2021 - June 2023

Pioneers in Urban- Rural Entrepeneurship Hub

BOERENBOND (BELGIUM)

June 2012 - May 2015

Application and effects of the ESDP in member states (2004-2006).

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

October 2004 - September 2006

Development of a territorial impact assessment (TIA) framework for the EC and national as well as regional/local policies and plans in EU member states.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

October 2010 - April 2012

Delivering the ESDP Consultancy Commission.

SURREY HEATH BOROUGH COUNCIL (UK)

April 2001 - March 2002

Celtic Seas Partnership

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

October 2012 - March 2017