The Politics of Local Innovation: Conditions for the Development of Innovations

This book explores the conditions for the development of local innovation, focusing on communicative interactions and local embedded knowledge. It compares ten cities in Germany and Greece and is of interest to scholars, students, and local politicians.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Some cities are able to effectively harness their innovation potential and address a range of challenges, including demographic shifts, immigration, and economic restructuring. However, others struggle to do so. This book aims to solve this problem by exploring the conditions that foster local innovation. To achieve this, it conducts a comparative case study of ten cities in Germany and Greece, which are perceived as successful examples of local innovation by their respective communities.

The book recognizes that the conditions for local innovation are not solely rooted in economic, social, or institutional factors. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of communicative interactions among local actors as they develop locally embedded knowledge or a specific social imaginary about their circumstances. It also examines the constraints and opportunities that arise from these interactions.

The authors of the book draw on a comprehensive range of sources, including policy documents, local newspapers, and in-depth interviews with key local actors. This research approach allows them to gain a deep understanding of the dynamics and processes that shape local innovation.

The book is organized into four chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of the conditions for local innovation. In the first chapter, the authors introduce the study and provide an overview of the ten cities selected for analysis. They explain the rationale behind choosing these cities and discuss the challenges they face in terms of innovation.

The second chapter explores the role of local actors in shaping local innovation. It examines the ways in which these actors engage with each other, exchange knowledge, and create a shared understanding of the challenges they face. The chapter also highlights the importance of networks and social capital in fostering local innovation.

The third chapter examines the institutional and policy frameworks that support or hinder local innovation. It explores the role of local governments, businesses, and other stakeholders in creating an environment that encourages innovation. The chapter also discusses the challenges of implementing innovative policies and the importance of collaboration and coordination among different actors.

The fourth chapter examines the outcomes of local innovation. It explores the ways in which these cities have successfully addressed their challenges and achieved positive outcomes. The chapter also examines the challenges of sustaining and scaling up local innovation and the role of public-private partnerships in promoting innovation.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the field of urban studies and policy analysis. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the conditions that foster local innovation and provides practical insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to promote innovation in cities. The book will be of interest to scholars and students of political science and policy analysis, as well as sociology, geography, urban studies, and planning. It will also interest local politicians and bureaucrats concerned with achieving innovation in cities.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367539887