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Transformative knowledge regions: Bringing knowledge to the frontstage of transformative innovation

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  • Jeannerat, Hugues
  • Butzin, Anna
  • Carvalho, Luís
  • Manniche, Jesper

Abstract

While knowledge has long been central to theories of innovation-led regional development, its conceptualization within the emerging transformative innovation paradigm has remained largely implicit and undertheorized. This paper draws on insights from sustainability transitions, organizational learning, and higher education studies to develop a perspective on the action-oriented nature of knowledge, as it increasingly associates with the matters of directionality, materiality and structuration. Based on this, we articulate an idea of transformative knowledge through a triple lens, emphasising interdependencies between knowledge for action (goal- and mission-oriented), knowledge by action (generated through experimentation), and knowledge as action (situated in practice and everyday life). We apply this lens to discuss the outlines of transformative knowledge regions, proposing an expansion in the repertoire of regional innovation interventions. In doing so, the paper broadens the epistemic contours of knowledge in regional development and contribute to current debates on challenge- and mission-oriented regional innovation policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeannerat, Hugues & Butzin, Anna & Carvalho, Luís & Manniche, Jesper, 2025. "Transformative knowledge regions: Bringing knowledge to the frontstage of transformative innovation," IAT Discussion Papers 25/01, Institut Arbeit und Technik (IAT), Westfälische Hochschule, University of Applied Sciences.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:iatdps:324867
    DOI: 10.53190/dp/202501
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