Facing the period of major change in various fields of society, calls for structural changes are also beginning. New urban social systems are being demanded. Associated with the move towards the decentralized structure, regions can now develop their own urban policies strategically and are required to bear responsibilities on the other hand. How to get policy intentions across to the regional community, and how to advance rational decision-making, will become the key points.
The Urban Policy and Research Division, newly established in 2001, provides urban and regional strategic policy support services with policy evaluation processes and consensus building using urban, transport and environmental technologies of IBS.

■Main research themes

• Evaluation and strategic planning of regional policy
• The operation of PI in large-scale infrastructure plan
• Establishment of a procedural system for public involvement
• Analysis for urban policy needs
• Community impact assessment