The Influence of Spatial and Temporal Dimensions on the Success of Participation in Czech-Bavarian Interreg Projects
Main Article Content
Keywords
Interreg, participation, spatio-temporal dimension
Abstract
The aims of Interreg projects include strengthening cross-border cooperation between regions in Europe, contributing to sustainable regional development, facilitating knowledge exchange and innovation, and promoting social and cultural integration. Participation of citizens and key stakeholders plays a central role in this process. The article presents the results of an evaluation of participatory events in two Interreg projects in the Bavarian-Czech border region. The evaluation focuses primarily on the influence of the spatial and temporal dimensions of events taking place within funded Interreg projects. Our findings highlight the importance of tailoring participation event formats in Interreg projects to regional characteristics, including rural settings, cross-border dynamics, and current developments in citizen participation. The study concludes with recommendations for optimizing spatial and temporal parameters in participatory formats.
References
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Böhm, H. (2023). Five Roles of Cross-border Cooperation Against Re-bordering. Journal of Borderlands Studies, 38(3), 487–506. https://doi.org/10.1080/08865655.2021.1948900.
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Chilla, T., & Lambracht, M. (2023). Institutional mapping of cross-border cooperation. INTERREG programme analyses with KEEP data. European Planning Studies, 31(4), 700–718. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654313.2022.2058321.
Chouinard, J. A., & Milley, P. (2016). Mapping the spatial dimensions of participatory practice: A discussion of context in evaluation. Evaluation and Program Planning, 54, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2015.09.003.
Farazmand, A. (Ed.). (2018). Springer Reference. Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance: With 294 Figures and 229 Tables. Springer.
Flacke, J., Hoefsloot, F. I., & Pfeffer, K. (2025). Inclusive Digital Planning – Co-designing a collaborative mapping tool to support the planning of accessible public space for all. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 121, 102310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compenvurbsys.2025.102310.
Goodchild, M. F. (2007). Citizens as sensors: the world of volunteered geography. GeoJournal, 69(4), 211–221. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-007-9111-y.
Grigoletto, F., Oliveira, F. A. de, Momesso, C. C., Nehemy, I. K. R., Junior, João Emílio De Almeida, São Pedro, Vinícius De Avelar, Greco, R., Alves, M. A., & Edwards, T. (2023). Technological Affordance and the Realities of Citizen Science Projects Developed in Challenging Territories. Sustainability, 15(8), 6654. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086654.
Haarich, N., S., Salvatori, G., Toptsidou, M. (2019), Evaluating Interreg programmes. The challenge of demonstrating results and value of European Territorial Cooperation. Spatial Foresight Brief 2019:10. Luxembourg. www.spatialforesight.eu.
Hachmann, S., Jokar Arsanjani, J., & Vaz, E. (2018). Spatial data for slum upgrading: Volunteered Geographic Information and the role of citizen science. Habitat International, 72, 18–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2017.04.011.
Heller, K. (Ed.). (1984). Psychology and Community Change: Challenges of the Future (2. ed. [Nachdr.]. Brooks/Cole.
Hovik, S., & Giannoumis, G. A. (2022). Linkages Between Citizen Participation, Digital Technology, and Urban Development. In S. Hovik, G. A. Giannoumis, K. Reichborn-Kjennerud, J. M. Ruano, I. McShane, & S. Legard (Eds.), Citizen Participation in the Information Society: Comparing Participatory Channels in Urban Development (pp. 1–23). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-99940-7_1.
Irvin, R. A., & Stansbury, J. (2004). Citizen Participation in Decision Making: Is It Worth the Effort? Public Administration Review, 64(1), 55–65. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6210.2004.00346.x.
Knippschild, R., & Vock, A. (2017). The conformance and performance principles in territorial cooperation: A critical reflection on the evaluation of INTERREG projects. Regional Studies, 51(11), 1735–1745. https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2016.1255323.
Lengerer, F., Steinführer, A., & Haartsen, T. (2022). To Participate, or Not to Participate ‐ That Is the Question. (Non-)Participation of Older Residents in Rural Communities. Journal of Rural Studies, 91, 47–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2022.02.008.
Lovric, N., & Lovric, M. (2018). Network Approach to Constructing Theory of Participation in Spatial Planning. LAND USE POLICY, 79, 30–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2018.07.038.
Marzouki, A., Mellouli, S., & Daniel, S. (2017). Towards a Context-based Citizen Participation Approach: A Literature Review of Citizen Participation Issues and a Conceptual Framework. In Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (pp. 204–213). ACM. https://doi.org/10.1145/3047273.3047352.
Meschede, C., & Mainka, A. (2020). Including Citizen Participation Formats for Drafting and Implementing Local Sustainable Development Strategies. Urban Science, 4(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci4010013.
McMaster, I., Wergles, N., & Vironen, H. (2019). Results orientation: what is it doing for Interreg? European Structural and Investment Funds Journal, 7(1), 2–8.
Nanz, P., & Fritsche, M. (2024). Handbuch Beteiligung: Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten für Bürgerinnen und Bürger (Aktualisierte Neuauflage, Sonderausgabe für die Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung). Schriftenreihe / Bundeszentrale für Politische Bildung: Band 11093. Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung bpb.
Novotný, L. (2026). Innovations in EU cross-border project management: A case study of Interreg. European Planning Studies, 34(2), 350–372. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654313.2025.2562168.
Pantić, M., Cilliers, J., Cimadomo, G., Montaño, F., Olufemi, O., Torres Mallma, S., & van den Berg, J. (2021). Challenges and Opportunities for Public Participation in Urban and Regional Planning during the COVID-19 Pandemic‐-Lessons Learned for the Future. Land, 10(12), 1379. https://doi.org/10.3390/land10121379.
Patze-Diordiychuk, P., Smettan, J. R., Renner, P., & Föhr, T. (Eds.). (2017a). Methodenhandbuch Bürgerbeteiligung / Peter Patze-Diordiychuk, Jürgen Smettan, Paul Renner, Tanja Föhr (Hrsg.) Akademie für Lokale Demokratie: Band 1. Beteiligungsprozesse erfolgreich planen. oekom.
Patze-Diordiychuk, P., Smettan, J. R., Renner, P., & Föhr, T. (Eds.). (2017b). Methodenhandbuch Bürgerbeteiligung / Peter Patze-Diordiychuk, Jürgen Smettan, Paul Renner, Tanja Föhr (Hrsg.) Akademie für Lokale Demokratie: Band 2. Passende Beteiligungsformate wählen. oekom.
Pretty, J. N. (1995). Participatory Learning for Sustainable Agriculture. World Development, 23(8), 1247–1263. https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-750X(95)00046-F.
Scherer, S., Wimmer, M. A., & Schepers, J. (2012). Regional Participation Model to Engage Citizens in Distant Decision-Making. In Y. Charalabidis & S. Koussouris (Eds.), Empowering Open and Collaborative Governance (pp. 139–155). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27219-6_8.
Schmuderer, S., Zink, R., & Gamerith, W. (2019). Citizen Participation via Digital Maps: A Comparison of Current Applications. GI\_Forum, 1, 34–46. https://doi.org/10.1553/giscience2019_02_s34.
Shirk, J. L., Ballard, H. L., Wilderman, C. C., Phillips, T., Wiggins, A., Jordan, R., McCallie, E., Minarchek, M., Lewenstein, B. V., Krasny, M. E., & Bonney, R. (2012). Public Participation in Scientific Research: A Framework for Deliberate Design. Ecology and Society, 17(2), art29. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-04705-170229.
Thierstein, A., Rey, M., Walser, M., & Vodoz, L. (o. J.). The ’hidden hypothesis’- approach in evaluation methodology: The Swiss participation in the European INTERREG II- Programme.
Wiedemann, P. M., & Femers, S. (1993). Public Participation in Waste Management Decision Making: Analysis and Management of Conflicts. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 33(3), 355–368. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-3894(93)85085-S.
Bertram, D., Chilla, T., Hippe, S. (2023). The laboratory dimension in cross-border development: Insights from the Czech-German Border Region. Trendy v podnikání, 13(2), 4–16. https://doi.org/10.24132/jbt.2023.13.2.4_16.
Bloßfeldt, S. (2023). Promoting cross-border cooperation through cross-border central places: Strategic town-twinning on the Bavarian-Czech border reconsidered. European Planning Studies, 31(8), 1594–1611. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654313.2022.2083913.
Böhm, H. (2023). Five Roles of Cross-border Cooperation Against Re-bordering. Journal of Borderlands Studies, 38(3), 487–506. https://doi.org/10.1080/08865655.2021.1948900.
Bock, S. (2013). Selle, Klaus (2013): Über Bürgerbeteiligung Hinaus: Stadtentwicklung Als Gemeinschaftsaufgabe? Analysen Und Konzepte. Raumforschung Und Raumordnung. Spatial Research and Planning, 71(6). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13147-013-0252-9.
Chilla, T., & Lambracht, M. (2023). Institutional mapping of cross-border cooperation. INTERREG programme analyses with KEEP data. European Planning Studies, 31(4), 700–718. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654313.2022.2058321.
Chouinard, J. A., & Milley, P. (2016). Mapping the spatial dimensions of participatory practice: A discussion of context in evaluation. Evaluation and Program Planning, 54, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2015.09.003.
Farazmand, A. (Ed.). (2018). Springer Reference. Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance: With 294 Figures and 229 Tables. Springer.
Flacke, J., Hoefsloot, F. I., & Pfeffer, K. (2025). Inclusive Digital Planning – Co-designing a collaborative mapping tool to support the planning of accessible public space for all. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 121, 102310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compenvurbsys.2025.102310.
Goodchild, M. F. (2007). Citizens as sensors: the world of volunteered geography. GeoJournal, 69(4), 211–221. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-007-9111-y.
Grigoletto, F., Oliveira, F. A. de, Momesso, C. C., Nehemy, I. K. R., Junior, João Emílio De Almeida, São Pedro, Vinícius De Avelar, Greco, R., Alves, M. A., & Edwards, T. (2023). Technological Affordance and the Realities of Citizen Science Projects Developed in Challenging Territories. Sustainability, 15(8), 6654. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086654.
Haarich, N., S., Salvatori, G., Toptsidou, M. (2019), Evaluating Interreg programmes. The challenge of demonstrating results and value of European Territorial Cooperation. Spatial Foresight Brief 2019:10. Luxembourg. www.spatialforesight.eu.
Hachmann, S., Jokar Arsanjani, J., & Vaz, E. (2018). Spatial data for slum upgrading: Volunteered Geographic Information and the role of citizen science. Habitat International, 72, 18–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2017.04.011.
Heller, K. (Ed.). (1984). Psychology and Community Change: Challenges of the Future (2. ed. [Nachdr.]. Brooks/Cole.
Hovik, S., & Giannoumis, G. A. (2022). Linkages Between Citizen Participation, Digital Technology, and Urban Development. In S. Hovik, G. A. Giannoumis, K. Reichborn-Kjennerud, J. M. Ruano, I. McShane, & S. Legard (Eds.), Citizen Participation in the Information Society: Comparing Participatory Channels in Urban Development (pp. 1–23). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-99940-7_1.
Irvin, R. A., & Stansbury, J. (2004). Citizen Participation in Decision Making: Is It Worth the Effort? Public Administration Review, 64(1), 55–65. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6210.2004.00346.x.
Knippschild, R., & Vock, A. (2017). The conformance and performance principles in territorial cooperation: A critical reflection on the evaluation of INTERREG projects. Regional Studies, 51(11), 1735–1745. https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2016.1255323.
Lengerer, F., Steinführer, A., & Haartsen, T. (2022). To Participate, or Not to Participate ‐ That Is the Question. (Non-)Participation of Older Residents in Rural Communities. Journal of Rural Studies, 91, 47–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2022.02.008.
Lovric, N., & Lovric, M. (2018). Network Approach to Constructing Theory of Participation in Spatial Planning. LAND USE POLICY, 79, 30–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2018.07.038.
Marzouki, A., Mellouli, S., & Daniel, S. (2017). Towards a Context-based Citizen Participation Approach: A Literature Review of Citizen Participation Issues and a Conceptual Framework. In Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (pp. 204–213). ACM. https://doi.org/10.1145/3047273.3047352.
Meschede, C., & Mainka, A. (2020). Including Citizen Participation Formats for Drafting and Implementing Local Sustainable Development Strategies. Urban Science, 4(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci4010013.
McMaster, I., Wergles, N., & Vironen, H. (2019). Results orientation: what is it doing for Interreg? European Structural and Investment Funds Journal, 7(1), 2–8.
Nanz, P., & Fritsche, M. (2024). Handbuch Beteiligung: Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten für Bürgerinnen und Bürger (Aktualisierte Neuauflage, Sonderausgabe für die Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung). Schriftenreihe / Bundeszentrale für Politische Bildung: Band 11093. Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung bpb.
Novotný, L. (2026). Innovations in EU cross-border project management: A case study of Interreg. European Planning Studies, 34(2), 350–372. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654313.2025.2562168.
Pantić, M., Cilliers, J., Cimadomo, G., Montaño, F., Olufemi, O., Torres Mallma, S., & van den Berg, J. (2021). Challenges and Opportunities for Public Participation in Urban and Regional Planning during the COVID-19 Pandemic‐-Lessons Learned for the Future. Land, 10(12), 1379. https://doi.org/10.3390/land10121379.
Patze-Diordiychuk, P., Smettan, J. R., Renner, P., & Föhr, T. (Eds.). (2017a). Methodenhandbuch Bürgerbeteiligung / Peter Patze-Diordiychuk, Jürgen Smettan, Paul Renner, Tanja Föhr (Hrsg.) Akademie für Lokale Demokratie: Band 1. Beteiligungsprozesse erfolgreich planen. oekom.
Patze-Diordiychuk, P., Smettan, J. R., Renner, P., & Föhr, T. (Eds.). (2017b). Methodenhandbuch Bürgerbeteiligung / Peter Patze-Diordiychuk, Jürgen Smettan, Paul Renner, Tanja Föhr (Hrsg.) Akademie für Lokale Demokratie: Band 2. Passende Beteiligungsformate wählen. oekom.
Pretty, J. N. (1995). Participatory Learning for Sustainable Agriculture. World Development, 23(8), 1247–1263. https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-750X(95)00046-F.
Scherer, S., Wimmer, M. A., & Schepers, J. (2012). Regional Participation Model to Engage Citizens in Distant Decision-Making. In Y. Charalabidis & S. Koussouris (Eds.), Empowering Open and Collaborative Governance (pp. 139–155). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27219-6_8.
Schmuderer, S., Zink, R., & Gamerith, W. (2019). Citizen Participation via Digital Maps: A Comparison of Current Applications. GI\_Forum, 1, 34–46. https://doi.org/10.1553/giscience2019_02_s34.
Shirk, J. L., Ballard, H. L., Wilderman, C. C., Phillips, T., Wiggins, A., Jordan, R., McCallie, E., Minarchek, M., Lewenstein, B. V., Krasny, M. E., & Bonney, R. (2012). Public Participation in Scientific Research: A Framework for Deliberate Design. Ecology and Society, 17(2), art29. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-04705-170229.
Thierstein, A., Rey, M., Walser, M., & Vodoz, L. (o. J.). The ’hidden hypothesis’- approach in evaluation methodology: The Swiss participation in the European INTERREG II- Programme.
Wiedemann, P. M., & Femers, S. (1993). Public Participation in Waste Management Decision Making: Analysis and Management of Conflicts. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 33(3), 355–368. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-3894(93)85085-S.
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2026-06-17
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The Influence of Spatial and Temporal Dimensions on the Success of Participation in Czech-Bavarian Interreg Projects. (2026). Journal of Applied Interdisciplinary Research, 3(1), 37-51. https://doi.org/10.25929/a71msz76