Erblin Berisha

Erblin Berisha is a Fixed-term Assistant Professor at the Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST) within the College of Architecture and Design at the Polytechnic University of Turin (PoliTo). He is also a member of the Interdepartmental Center R3C - Responsible Risk Resilience Centre. His academic work focuses on European spatial planning systems, territorial governance, and regional development, with particular expertise in the Western Balkans region and European territorial cooperation.

Dr. Berisha's research interests span several key areas in urban and regional planning:

• European spatial planning and the Europeanization of planning practices
• Territorial governance and multi-level governance systems
• European territorial cooperation and cross-border planning
• Spatial implications of EU cohesion policy
• Urban and regional development in the Western Balkans
• Sustainable urban transitions and green agenda implementation
• Resilience planning and risk governance
• Land use planning and consumption of land

His recent scholarly output demonstrates a strong focus on European spatial planning systems, with particular attention to how EU policies influence planning practices beyond EU borders, especially in the Western Balkans. Berisha's work also examines interface territories in the Alpine region, urban co-production mechanisms across European cities, and the implementation of sustainable transitions with attention to justice dimensions. His research often employs comparative methodologies across European territories and emphasizes the practical application of planning research to policy development.

Dr. Berisha serves on the editorial board of European Spatial Research and Policy since 2023 and has participated in organizing the REDETE conference (September 17-18, 2024). His research is supported by various competitive funding sources including EU-funded projects.

As an educator, Dr. Berisha teaches in multiple degree programs at PoliTo, including Architecture and Engineering and Management. His courses focus on urban planning, territorial design, and resilient transitions of cities and territories. He has taught consistently from academic year 2020/21 through 2025/26, demonstrating his ongoing contribution to the university's educational mission.

Dr. Berisha leads several significant research projects, including "UrbaNEX – WB - Sustainable Urban Transitions in the WB: Enhancing Capacities for Integrated Local Governance" (2025-2026) and "GOVQoL - Empowering local governance of Alpine communities for a better quality of life" (2025-2026), both EU-funded research initiatives. He also manages commercial research contracts related to European projects like "econnecting: green civic decision for proximity territories" and "ValUE 4 UCBR."