Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/324868 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Series/Report no.: 
IAT Discussion Papers No. 25/02
Publisher: 
Westfälische Hochschule Gelsenkirchen Bocholt Recklinghausen, Institut Arbeit und Technik (IAT), Gelsenkirchen
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.
Subjects: 
societal innovativeness
society
regional development
transformation
structural change
transformative regional development
grand societal challenges
JEL: 
Z1
O10
O3
O35
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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