ABSTRACT
The nature of European spatial planning (ESP), as it has evolved in recent years, has seen it
characterized as a “learning machine” (Faludi, 2008) and this increases the appropriate-
ness of applying a knowledge perspective to the analysis of this evolution. The paper
explores the evolution of territorial knowledge communities (Adams et al., 2011) in the
Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and the extent and nature of the engagement
of these communities with some key knowledge arenas of ESP, particularly the territorial
cohesion debate. This underlying knowledge perspective focuses on the role of knowledge
in the policy process (Radaelli, 1995) and more specifically on the interplay of knowledge
and policy development. The role of diverse actors and networks as epistemic commu-
nities (Haas, 1990, 1992, 2004; Pallagst, 2006, 2011), communities of practice (Lave &
Wenger, 1991) and advocacy coalitions (Sabatier & Jenkins-Smith, 1993; Sabatier,
1998) is emphasized. The paper explores the way these territorial knowledge communities
engage with different “knowledge arenas” to advance, inform or legitimize policy agendas
and approaches through the strategic use of “knowledge resources” (Adams et al., 2011).
Selected multi-scalar institutional arrangements (“territorial knowledge channels”) in the
Baltic States are examined to explore how diverse actors and networks may potentially
influence the policy development process after having acquired the power to shape or
“frame” new “policy images” (Kingdon, 1995).
