The core interest of the thesis lies on the research, analysis and assessment of the mechanisms and processes that affect the decision-making and formulation of the final planning outcome during the implementation of urban planning policy in Greece. The research is structured around the theoretical framework of governance, and urban governance in particular, considering it as the approach that aims to trace and explain the different dimensions of the involvement of various institutions (governmental or not) in the policy formulation and practice. The notions, concepts and models of governance constitute the background upon which the management of space within the framework of urban planning policy is examined. viii