Conceptual framework for spatio-temporal analysis of territorial projects

Abstract

System innovation for sustainability requires a systemic and interdisciplinary approach. To support these complex and long-term transitions, decision support tools are required but nowadays, assessment tools are disciplinary and consider mainly material flows with environmental or economical perspectives. These tools provide helpful quantitative information for system (re)-design but often miss the temporal or spatial dimensions of a project and do not sufficiently consider the value creation system they propose to evaluate. This communication presents a conceptual framework for territorial project analysis. It enables the spatio-temporal analysis of stakeholder networks during a project. This framework considers tangible and intangible resources flows between the project's stakeholders and their territory to examine how an initiative can emerge , mobilise territorial assets and create sustainable values in return. This process takes place at the meso level (territory) and create dynamic interactions with the micro-level (organisations and individuals) and the macro-level (regulations and institutions). This analytical framework aims at supporting decision thanks to a comprehensive vision of the value constellation implied in a territorial project. It was developed on a theoretical basis and partially tested on various projects (territorial bioraffinery, PSS, territorial repair network) that were presented in previous communications. Future work will integrate sustainability principles to this framework to assist both economic, political and civic actors in taking decisions whom contribute to system transition to sustainability during their territorial projects.