The Evolution and Adaptive Governance of the 22@ Innovation District in Barcelona

Alberto Gianoli,Riccardo Palazzolo Henkes

doi:10.3390/urbansci4020016

Alberto Gianoli, Riccardo Palazzolo Henkes

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci4020016

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Abstract

The paper analyzes the prominent 22@ Innovation District project, which was initiated at the beginning of the 2000s by the city of Barcelona to regenerate part of the Poblenou district, a former industrial area. The goal was to create an innovation district able to generate economic activity and employment by focusing on knowledge economy and new technologies. The innovative features of the project emphasize the uncertainty and the need to adapt to new technologies and their economic and social influence in urban regeneration projects. The paper uses the adaptive governance framework to analyze how the dynamic process of urban regeneration and creation of an innovation district has been able to adapt to internal and external changes of political, economic and technological nature. Adaptive governance has been conceptualized by focusing on three key aspects (i.e., level of complexity, conflict and uncertainty) and three main actions (i.e., anticipate, learn and adapt) that have been considered in the case study. These elements emphasize the need for bridging organizations that are able to work cross-level and cross-scale. The article shows the suitability of adaptive governance systems in urban regeneration projects, aiming to combine top-down and bottom-up initiatives within a comprehensive strategy.

Highlights

Cities around the world need to regenerate former productive areas no longer integrated within the economic milieu
The three levels influence the 22@ regeneration project since the metropolitan level determines the priorities of the project in the context of the wider political agenda of the city of Barcelona and the city network level can shift the focus from citizen-oriented strategies to development approaches that give priority to competitiveness within a global context
Within the context of complex dynamics related to political, economic and technological changes, the development trajectory of the 22@ innovation district has been characterized by a high level of resilience and adaptability, which is typical of an adaptive governance approach

Summary

Introduction

Cities around the world need to regenerate former productive areas no longer integrated within the economic milieu. Old factories and obsolete infrastructures face the consequences derived from economic and political changes, as well as new technological developments. These areas and assets still have important economic and societal potential, especially when they are located in strategic positions within the city [1]. It offers a solution to two main problems: underused or abandoned areas in the urban continuum and the lack of available land for large projects within the urban area These innovation districts are characterized by the cooperation between the public and the private sectors as well as universities and research institutes, working together to create synergies to stimulate economic growth and social cohesion [5]. Is this still a priority? Has a similar approach been implemented in other areas of the city? Who has driven such initiatives? Could you provide examples?

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