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Patterns of opportunity spaces and agency across regional contexts: Conditions and drivers for change

Author

Listed:
  • Markus Grillitsch

    (Department of Human Geography and CIRCLE – Centre for Innovation Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
    Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer, Norway)

  • Josephine Rekers

    (Department of Human Geography, Lund University, Lund, Sweden)

  • Björn Asheim

    (Centre for Innovation Research, Department of Innovation, Management and Marketing, UiS School of Business and Law, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
    CIRCLE – Centre for Innovation Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden)

  • Rune Dahl Fitjar

    (Centre for Innovation Research, Department of Innovation, Management and Marketing, UiS School of Business and Law, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway)

  • Silje Haus-Reve

    (Centre for Innovation Research, Department of Innovation, Management and Marketing, UiS School of Business and Law, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway)

  • Jari Kolehmainen

    (Urban and Regional Studies Group, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland)

  • Heli Kurikka

    (Urban and Regional Studies Group, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland)

  • Karl-Johan Lundquist

    (Department of Human Geography and CIRCLE – Centre for Innovation Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden)

  • Mikhail Martynovich

    (Department of Human Geography and CIRCLE – Centre for Innovation Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden)

  • Skirmante Monteilhet

    (Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, LillehammerRena, Norway)

  • Hjalti Nielsen

    (Eastern Norway Research Institute, Inland School of Business and Social Sciences, University of Inland Norway, Lillehammer, Norway)

  • Magnus Nilsson

    (Department of Business Administration and CIRCLE – Centre for Innovation Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden)

  • Sami Sopanen

    (Urban and Regional Studies Group, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland)

  • Markku Sotarauta

    (Urban and Regional Studies Group, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland)

  • Linda Stihl

    (Department of Human Geography and CIRCLE – Centre for Innovation Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden)

Abstract

Non-metropolitan regions are considered more exposed to external shocks than their metropolitan counterparts, while having lower capacities to change. However, there is considerable variation among non-metropolitan regions. We argue that this variation can be captured theoretically by modelling the dynamic interplay between perceived and real opportunity spaces and agency. We empirically analyse regional change processes in 12 regions in the Nordics over a period of 30 years with a unique dataset. We find patterns of opportunity spaces and agency, which allow theoretical reflections about conditions and drivers for change, and has implications for place-based regional policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Markus Grillitsch & Josephine Rekers & Björn Asheim & Rune Dahl Fitjar & Silje Haus-Reve & Jari Kolehmainen & Heli Kurikka & Karl-Johan Lundquist & Mikhail Martynovich & Skirmante Monteilhet & Hjalti, 2025. "Patterns of opportunity spaces and agency across regional contexts: Conditions and drivers for change," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 57(2-3), pages 159-183, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:57:y:2025:i:2-3:p:159-183
    DOI: 10.1177/0308518X241303636
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