The Role of Dynamic Capabilities and Social Capital in Breaking Socio‐Institutional Inertia in Regional Development
Timo Pihkala,
Vesa Harmaakorpi and
Satu Pekkarinen
International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 2007, vol. 31, issue 4, 836-852
Abstract:
Abstract A shift in the techno‐economic paradigm will affect regions; regions, however, are path‐dependent units. This path‐dependency often leads to considerable socio‐institutional inertia in the process of transformation whereby regions aim to remain competitive in the face of worldwide competition. The present article assesses the role of the dynamic capabilities of social capital in the process of regional adaptation. A survey conducted in the Lahti urban region in Finland is used as empirical data. The results of the survey reveal the respondents' fairly good awareness of the prevailing techno‐economic paradigm and of the strong socio‐institutional inertia confronting change in practice. The results suggest, however, that there are systematic differences in responsiveness between local politicians and other decision‐makers. The study concludes with a discussion of the relevance of shared common views on the development needed within the region. Résumé Un changement dans le schéma conceptuel techno‐économique va affecter les régions, lesquelles présentent toutefois une ‘dépendance de chemin’. Cette situation conduit souvent à une très forte inertie socio‐institutionnelle dans le processus de transformation par lequel des régions s'efforcent de garder leur place face à la concurrence mondiale. L'article évalue le rôle des capacités dynamiques du capital social au sein du processus d'adaptation régionale. Une enquête menée dans la zone urbaine de Lahti, en Finlande, fournit les données empiriques. D'après ses résultats, les personnes interrogées ont une perception assez bonne du paradigme techno‐économique dominant et de la puissante inertie socio‐institutionnelle qui s'oppose concrètement au changement. Il en ressort cependant des différences systématiques dans la réactivité entre les hommes politiques et les autres décideurs. En conclusion, l'étude analyse la pertinence des opinions communes partagées concernant le développement nécessaire dans la région.
Date: 2007
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https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2427.2007.00757.x
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bla:ijurrs:v:31:y:2007:i:4:p:836-852
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