by Huiwen Gong and Bernhard Truffer

This paper investigates how leading industrial regions may maintain their leadership positions when being confronted with deep and radical transformations of their core industries. Focusing on the evolution of the German automotive sector in Baden-Württemberg over the past two decades, we introduce a theoretical framework for a layered regional architecture that weaves together regional imaginaries, innovation culture, and system change processes. We argue that in response to disruptive threats, active engagement with regional imaginaries becomes essential. The paper critiques conventional approaches in regional innovation policy for overlooking the critical role of the region’s intangible facets as vantage points for policy intervention. Hence, it champions a strategy centered on actively shaping regional imaginaries while concurrently fostering the necessary cultural and tangible system transformations.

Download paper: Changing from within: the interplay between imaginary, culture and innovation system in regional transformation

Cite as: Gong and Truffer (2024) Changing from within: the interplay between imaginary, culture and innovation system in regional transformation. GEIST – Geography of Innovation and Sustainability Transitions, 2024(02), GEIST Working Paper series.