ABSTRACT
This chapter represents the attempts of innovation of recent Italian planning activity, from the second half of the last century up to now. It focuses on the process of modernization, analyzing issues, targets and trajectories, in order to highlight the strengths and limitations of the current trend toward a reform of the planning system. The chapter describes the structural features of the spatial planning system. Four storylines provide a focus on the crucial problems and challenges. Examination of the dimensions and direction of changes of the past 20 years permits identification of the actors involved, the modes and planning tools and their adaptation in various regional planning styles. In Italy there have been considerable changes to the original conformative model, bringing in performance-oriented practices and strategic planning approaches. The actual situation is characterized by the coexistence of the 'urbanist' tradition of planning with new innovative elements in different paths of change.
