In-migration for transforming peripheral locations through a real-world experiment? Experiment insights on location decisions in the medium-sized city of Görlitz, Germany

Abstract

A real-world experiment was implemented in the city of Görlitz to gain knowledge about the requirements for, and the opportunities of, in-migration to revitalize urban areas and increase local capacities for sustainability transformation.Many cities, in particular those in peripheral locations, are dependent on in-migration to compensate for the negative population development often experienced due to demographic and economic change. In addition, the necessary transformation towards urban sustainability requires appropriate know-how and innovation potential. A real-world experiment to stimulate the revitalization of existing urban areas and to enhance the local potential for sustainability transformation through targeted in-migration was implemented in the city of Görlitz, Germany. The aim of this article is to reflect upon the impact of such an experiment with special regard to learning effects for individuals, municipalities, and transdisciplinary collaborations. It explains that there is great value for the future development of a city in the long-term consideration and co-productive work of various stakeholders, but this is also associated with challenges.