Knowledge for action: searching for wisdom in a world of noise.

The general narrative is of a time that is perplexing, divisive and precarious, with such sentiments aligning with the lived experience of too many. The implications of inequality and the climate crisis prompt calls for something to be done, yet scepticism pervades as to whether governments have the will or capacity to take meaningful action. The general lack of trust in governmental institutions has been further undermined by growth of social media platforms and an abundance information, both benign and malign. Planning (and policy-making) sit at the nexus of knowledge and action, which is also a connecting point between academia and government. This presentation explores this interface, questioning how far current academic research supports the ‘ways of knowing’ needed to support effective action and considering what needs to change to enable greater traction to be achieved with regards to contemporary challenges.

Heather Campbell is Professor and Director of the School of Community and Regional Planning (SCARP) at UBC, a role she has held since 2018. Previously, she was Professor of Town and Regional Planning at the University of Sheffield.An expert in planning scholarship, her research topics include planning policy, planning theory, post-pandemic planning, public engagement, and strategic planning and transformative change. She is one of the founding editor of Planning Theory and Practice, where she currently serves as Senior Editor.