Patterns of opportunity spaces and agency across regional contexts: Conditions and drivers for change

Markus Grillitsch, Josephine Rekers, Björn Asheim, Rune Fitjar, Silje Haus-Reve, Jari Kolehmainen, Heli Kurikka, Karl-Johan Lundquist, Mikhail Martynovich, Skirmante Monteilhet, Hjalti Nielsen, Magnus Nilsson, Sami Sopanen, Markku Sotarauta and Linda Stihl
Additional contact information
Markus Grillitsch: Department of Human Geography and CIRCLE – Centre for Innovation Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Josephine Rekers: Department of Human Geography, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Björn Asheim: Centre for Innovation Research, Department of Innovation, Management and Marketing, UiS School of Business and Law, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
Silje Haus-Reve: Centre for Innovation Research, Department of Innovation, Management and Marketing, UiS School of Business and Law, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
Jari Kolehmainen: Urban and Regional Studies Group, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
Heli Kurikka: Urban and Regional Studies Group, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
Karl-Johan Lundquist: Department of Human Geography and CIRCLE – Centre for Innovation Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Mikhail Martynovich: Department of Human Geography and CIRCLE – Centre for Innovation Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Skirmante Monteilhet: Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, LillehammerRena, Norway
Hjalti Nielsen: Eastern Norway Research Institute, Inland School of Business and Social Sciences, University of Inland Norway, Lillehammer, Norway
Magnus Nilsson: Department of Business Administration and CIRCLE – Centre for Innovation Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Sami Sopanen: Urban and Regional Studies Group, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
Markku Sotarauta: Urban and Regional Studies Group, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
Linda Stihl: Department of Human Geography and CIRCLE – Centre for Innovation Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden

Environment and Planning A, 2025, vol. 57, issue 2-3, 159-183

Abstract: Non-metropolitan regions are considered more exposed to external shocks than their metropolitan counterparts, while having lower capacities to change. However, there is considerable variation among non-metropolitan regions. We argue that this variation can be captured theoretically by modelling the dynamic interplay between perceived and real opportunity spaces and agency. We empirically analyse regional change processes in 12 regions in the Nordics over a period of 30 years with a unique dataset. We find patterns of opportunity spaces and agency, which allow theoretical reflections about conditions and drivers for change, and has implications for place-based regional policy.

Keywords: Agency and structure; regional development; opportunity spaces; change agency; comparative research design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:envira:v:57:y:2025:i:2-3:p:159-183

DOI: 10.1177/0308518X241303636

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