Planism

Planism is an approach to organizing an economy through deliberate, long-term planning designed to align production, resource use, and social objectives with explicit goals. It encompasses institutions and policies that formulate, implement, and monitor a national or sectoral plan, often setting targets for investment, output, employment, and sustainability. Planism typically seeks coordination among public authorities and, in many variants, coordination with markets rather than their replacement.

Historically, planism arose in the early 20th century amid rapid industrialization, economic crises, and debates over the limits of laissez-faire. In Europe, reformist and socialist currents promoted planning as a means to synchronize capital and labor and to advance welfare and development. The most famous historical example is centralized planning under the Soviet system; in other contexts, planisme has referred to reformist planning agendas within democratic governments. In European discourse the term planisme (French) is sometimes used to describe these ideas.

Core features include formal planning bodies, long-range horizons, quantitative targets, and mechanisms to mobilize investment, labor, and resources. Plans are often reviewed periodically and can combine sectoral priorities with environmental or social objectives. Some variants emphasize strong state direction, while others advocate participatory planning or planning in partnership with private firms.

Critics argue that planning can be bureaucratic and information-poor, risking inefficiency and stifling innovation. Proponents contend that planning can enhance stability, equity, and strategic resilience, especially where market signals are weak or externalities are large. In contemporary policy, planning concepts appear in industrial policy, climate and infrastructure planning, and strategic long-range budgeting.