The Digital Task Force for Planning is developing a Digital Planning Education and Training Listing, which will be hosted on the Digital Planning Directory in 2026.
The initiative aims to bring together multidisciplinary stakeholders to support the advancement of digital planning education and training. The listing seeks to include related disciplines that contribute to the broader agenda of spatial planning—such as transport planning, civil engineering, built environment, urban design, architecture, geography, computer science, social sciences, and environmental studies—beyond conventional planning education from planning schools.
In 2023, the Digital Task Force for Planning signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UKCRIC to collaborate on researching, developing, and applying cutting-edge digital research and technology for mainstream spatial planning practice and education, leading to transformative change for public benefit.
UKCRIC members could consider being listed on the Digital Planning Education and Training Listing to showcase their expertise in infrastructure, environmental systems, digital twins, and smart technologies that directly support spatial planning. This inclusion fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and ensures that future planners have access to the technical expertise crucial for sustainable and resilient development.
To demonstrate the value to UKCRIC members and to help shape the structure and content of the listing, The Digital Task Force for Planning and UKCRIC will be hosting a virtual consultation roundtable on Monday, 21 July, from 2:00pm – 3:30pm.
If you would like to register to attend, please contact Tim Yates, email: tim.j.yates@ucl.ac.uk. Joining instructions will follow.
About the Digital Planning Education and Training Listing
Seed-funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the Digital Planning Directory was launched in January 2025 by the Digital Task Force for Planning. The launch was regarded as a milestone moment for the UK’s planning sector. Currently, the Directory features over 110 digital service providers and more than 110 case studies. Since its launch, it has already reached over 20,000 users.
As the next step in building a comprehensive digital planning ecosystem, the Digital Task Force for Planning is developing a Digital Planning Education and Training Listing, to be hosted on the Digital Planning Directory in 2026. This will be a free, publicly accessible resource showcasing university programmes and training opportunities across disciplines related to spatial planning.
The initiative aims to bring together key stakeholders to support the advancement of digital planning education and training. The listing intends to be as inclusive as possible, identifying a wide range of providers and organisations from academia and professional practice. We are particularly interested in contributions from UK universities, training providers, educators, and research groups offering education or training in spatial planning and related disciplines—such as RTPI-accredited planning schools, architecture and urban design, landscape architecture, civil engineering, computer science, geography, social sciences, and environmental studies.
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