Many countries across the OECD, including France, have recently grappled with similar reforms - with the need to reduce complexity and yet forward integrated spatial planning that can address multiple sectoral issues and policies across a functional territory and act in a timely and responsive manner. The new approach in the Netherlands is unique in terms of how it reorients relationships. A critical element of Dutch spatial and land-use planning is that while institutional frameworks (laws, policies, regulations) structure action, they are not the only feature that does so.