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Harnessing societal innovativeness for transformative regional development

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  • Terstriep, Judith
  • Angstmann, Marius

Abstract

In this discussion paper, we explore the concept of "societal innovativeness" as a key driver of transformative regional development, particularly within the context of regions facing structural weaknesses. Our explorative study delves into the multifaceted nature of societal innovativeness, which encompasses a broad range of social, cultural, and institutional factors that collectively enable regions to address complex societal challenges. We propose a comprehensive conceptual framework that identifies six core components-values and norms, capabilities, power relations, system-level agency, narratives and imaginaries, and exogenous factors-as integral to fostering societal innovativeness. By establishing a theoretical foundation, we aim to bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications, offering pathways for regions to enhance their innovative capacities. Our hypotheses, grounded in this framework, emphasise the interplay between these components, aiming to encourage inclusive and sustainable regional development. Future research, through empirical testing across diverse regional contexts, will further validate and refine this framework, thereby enhancing its applicability and providing valuable insights into practical strategies that empower regions to navigate and thrive amidst societal challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Terstriep, Judith & Angstmann, Marius, 2025. "Harnessing societal innovativeness for transformative regional development," IAT Discussion Papers 25/02, Institut Arbeit und Technik (IAT), Westfälische Hochschule, University of Applied Sciences.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:iatdps:324868
    DOI: 10.53190/dp/202502
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert Hassink & Huiwen Gong & Klaas Fröhlich & Arne Herr, 2022. "Exploring the scope of regions in challenge-oriented innovation policy: the case of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany," European Planning Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(11), pages 2293-2311, November.
    2. Ortrud Leßmann, 2022. "Collectivity and the capability approach: survey and discussion," Review of Social Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 80(4), pages 461-490, October.
    3. Geels, Frank W., 2022. "Causality and explanation in socio-technical transitions research: Mobilising epistemological insights from the wider social sciences," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(6).
    4. Baldwin, Carliss Y. & Bogers, Marcel L.A.M. & Kapoor, Rahul & West, Joel, 2024. "Focusing the ecosystem lens on innovation studies," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(3).
    5. Reher, Leonie & Runst, Petrik & Thomä, Jörg, 2024. "Personality and regional innovativeness: An empirical analysis of German patent data," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(6).
    6. Mikko Weckroth & Teemu Kemppainen, 2023. "Rural conservatism and the urban spirit of capitalism? On the geography of human values," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 57(9), pages 1747-1768, September.
    7. Schot, Johan & Steinmueller, W. Edward, 2018. "Three frames for innovation policy: R&D, systems of innovation and transformative change," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(9), pages 1554-1567.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights
    • O35 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Social Innovation

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