Navigating Opportunity Spaces: A Practitioner's Guide to Linking Climate Adaptation and Place-Based Transformative Innovation Policy

Cristian Matti (), Thomas Zacharewicz, Valentina Barsotti and Karel Herman Haegeman ()
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Cristian Matti: European Commission - JRC, https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/index_en
Karel Herman Haegeman: European Commission - JRC, https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/index_en

No JRC141403, JRC Research Reports from Joint Research Centre

Abstract: The Opportunity Spaces publication offers a comprehensive approach to help regions identify and activate opportunities at the intersection of innovation policy and climate adaptation. Through three complementary components, it supports practitioners in developing more transformative approaches to territorial development.Firstly, the publication introduces a novel conceptual framework that helps practitioners understand opportunity spaces through three key dimensions: timing (windows of opportunity), place-based conditions (territorial assets and constraints), and actor capacities (stakeholder capabilities). This framework emphasizes the dynamic nature of opportunity spaces and the importance of conversations - from initial awareness-raising through to systemic transformation. It particularly highlights how different policy areas can be activated and combined to create more transformative approaches.Secondly, a curated collection of real-world examples demonstrates how different regions navigate their opportunity spaces. Each example is structured to highlight the WHAT (actors and resources), HOW (engagement and experimentation), WHY (goals and enabling conditions), and SO WHAT (learnings and achievements). These cases span different maturity levels and focus areas, from horizontal governance to skills development, providing practical insights adaptable to different contexts.Thirdly, the Opportunity Space mapping tool offers a structured yet flexible approach to applying these insights in practice. Through two co-creation sessions, it guides practitioners from initial sense-making through to intervention design. The tool helps regions identify gaps, test assumptions, and develop more transformative portfolios of actions. Its practical exercises and visual templates make complex concepts accessible while encouraging systematic thinking about transformation opportunities.

Date: 2025-04
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