Beyond clusters, the rise of territorial valuation policies?
Keywords:
competitiveness, science-based innovation, transition, value, hybrid forumsAbstract
This article pursues to investigate the hypothesis that we are currently facing a change of innovation policy paradigm in a context of post-crisis and ecological transition. Drawing upon the case of pilot and demonstration (P&D) projects funded in the framework of the Swiss federal policy for clean technologies, the Masterplan Cleantech, traditional innovation policies are reconsidered and broadened. In contrast to conventional R&D innovation policies promoting economic change through knowledge transfers between science and industry, P&D innovation policies contribute to societal change through the co-development and legitimation of new socio-economic values. P&D project translate political discourses into concrete actions. They can be interpreted as ‘hybrid forums’ creating and enhancing new shared values through controversial discussions and negotiations taking place in concrete contexts of implementation. We finally discuss the theoretical implications underpinned by environmental preoccupations’ integration in innovation and competitiveness policies. The term of valuation policy is proposed as new pertinent concept to address the future of innovation policy.
