Understanding innovation in the context of local economic development: An analysis of cities’ innovation-based policies in Ontario, Canada

Abstract

ABSTRACT The broad notion of innovation has permeated the consciousness of all levels of government globally. Literature suggests innovation is crucial for solving complex challenges and is essential for economies to maintain their competitiveness. However, there is limited understanding of what cities are doing to foster innovation. Also, it is unknown how local governments define innovation and measure the success of innovation-based policies. To address these gaps, this paper conducts a content analysis of cities’ economic development plans (n = 43) in Ontario, Canada. It finds that most cities, irrespective of size, implemented an array of innovation-based policies. Specific types of innovation-based policies were found to typically be grouped together in economic development plans, with three main policy clusters observed. Interestingly, the results indicate that most economic development plans fail to define innovation and do not employ meaningful metrics to measure the success of innovation-based policies.