Researcher

Thomas Machiels

Research Expertise:As a researcher in urban planning, I am specialized in researching uncertainties and adaptive planning processes. In my PhD, I researched how real options theory can be used as an adaptive planning approach to better cope with uncertainties in complex spatial projects. Real options theory makes it possible to identify flexibility options in a qualitative and structured way, and to quantify the value of flexibility. I am involved as postdoc in the European Horizon research project Climatefit. This project researchers, develops, and applies innovative financing models for climate adaptation. My role is to benchmark and research 20 international best practices of business cases and financial models for climate adaptation.

Keywords:PLANNING SYSTEMS, UNCERTAINTY, ADAPTIVE PLANNING, MEGAPROJECTS, History

Disciplines:Environmental and sustainable planning, Urban and regional development, Urban and regional planning policy, instruments and legislation, Urbanism and regional planning

Research techniques:Qualitative research methods: document/content analysis, surveys, (semi-structured) interviews Mixed methods: Q methodology Quantitative research methods: real options theory

Users of research expertise:Planners, Planning practitioners, public authorities, project managers