Social change through place innovation

Abstract

This article explores how ‘place innovation’ can be used as a new scientific concept and practical tool to understand and shape the social design of the future.  The article’s starting point is a collaborative project between academia, industry and the community in northern Sweden. The project is developing knowledge and methods of place innovation based on a coherent perspective on the innovative design of places. Place innovation weaves together social, cultural, economic and technological aspects in order to increase the attractiveness of a place to existing and potential visitors, residents and investors.