Stories of urban regeneration with social innovation A comparison of 100 examples in Europe

Abstract

Social innovation is an essential driver of innovation for revitalising and rejuvenating urban areas. Cities and fringes are often characterised as under-utilised and neglected spaces that affect the perception of the quality of life of the regions. In recent years, much attention has been given to the creative regeneration of marginalised asses, such as productive ones (Areces, 2005; Scaffidi, 2019). Many scholars have analysed this phenomenon to understand its effects on space and to promote territorial innovation (Kafkalas, 1998; Moulaert & Sekia, 2002; Jeannereat et al., 2022). Some studies suggest that this regeneration fosters a better feeling of belonging to a place, creates new socio-cultural offers and increases ground rent.

Innovative management models have been promoted to reactivate these assets and spaces, creating socio-cultural benefits and new socio-economic development (Scaffidi, 2019).

This research examines productive site regeneration and its impacts on innovation development in urban areas and fringes. This study provides new insights in the field of urban planning and design and, highlights how social innovation in urban regeneration drives to territorial innovation.

The research showcases 100 good practices in Europe, located equally in cities and fringes. It uses qualitative and quantitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews, data analysis, and comparison.

The results show a classification of productive site regeneration with social innovation by defining three models. The study corroborates that social innovation plays a vital role in the innovation development of cities and fringes. It further argues that the greater the social innovation, the higher the level of territorial innovation. Furthermore, this study confirms that innovation depends on location and the regeneration model.

These results contribute to the body of knowledge and open new research opportunities in theories and practice for territorial innovation and urban regeneration of productive sites with social innovation.