Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI

Project

New impulses for sustainable and resilient development processes in structurally weak regions of change (IMPER)

The IMPER scientific accompanying project for the ‘WIR! - Change through Innovation in the Region’ funding initiative aimed to identify new impetus for sustainable and resilient development processes in structurally weak regions undergoing change and, on this basis, to draw conclusions for structural and innovation policy measures. The aim was to contribute to expanding the knowledge base in the field of innovation-based structural change and regional transformation processes, particularly with regard to dynamic, sustainable and resilient development paths and the reduction of regional disparities. The focus was on how regions with funded WIR! alliances deal with internal and external challenges and what contributions the WIR! alliances can make to regional structural change and possibly to regional transformation processes.

Using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, theoretical and conceptual approaches to transformation and structural change were empirically tested and, on this basis, findings on the scope for action in regional structural change for regional actors, policymakers and academia were developed, presented and published.

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Based on the diversity of structurally weak regions, starting points for measures to promote innovation and regional transformation were to be identified and conclusions drawn for new funding approaches in the context of WIR!. The aim was to gain insights into the topic of regional change and transformation, to develop new findings on the importance of resilience in regional structural change, and to identify new approaches to regional structural and innovation policy for structurally weak regions.

The work was based on a mix of methods consisting of the following elements:

  • Literature analyses on key determinants of development in the context of transformation and resilience
  • Text analyses of the submitted WIR! outlines
  • Preparation of working papers, further publications and slides
  • Interviews and short case studies in selected alliance regions (including analysis of the initial conditions and regional contexts)
  • Online workshops with the analysed WIR! alliances on the results and possible conclusions for alliances and WIR! funding
  • Publication workshop for scientific discussion of the findings and preparation of scientific publications
  • Closing event for the presentation and discussion of innovation policy conclusions

  • The WIR! funding measure enables self-organised processes to generate impetus for regional structural change.
  • The approach, which is open to all stakeholders, innovations and topics, allows for regionally tailored alliance topics and innovation fields that are suitable for the region.
  • Economic structural change goes beyond innovation-based technological change (ecological and social dimensions are also important). Transformative developments can only be observed in isolated cases.
  • Despite the diversity of partners in the WIR! alliances, the alliances often only function and have an impact thanks to a few actors (agents of change).
  • The WIR! alliances are only one of many activities in regional economic and innovation systems. Depending on the regional environment, the effects on regional structural change and regional identification with the alliance topics vary.
  • Regional reorientation, i.e. the development of new fields of application and markets through alliance activities, is possible, but not a transformation in the sense of a complete regional reorientation.
  • The requirements of the funding guidelines (e.g. with regard to the appropriate consideration of existing regional competencies) led to the strengthening of existing structures and stakeholder constellations.
  • With a view to future funding measures such as WIR!, action targets should be geared towards contributing to the organisation and coordination of open innovation and transformation processes through funding programmes (e.g. recognition of regional initiatives, encouragement and mobilisation of actors).

Publications

Duration

8.2021-6.2024

Clients

Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH - Projektträger Jülich (PtJ)