Ainhoa Arrona and Edurne Magro
Research handbook on Regions and Transformative Innovation Policy
Abstract of the chapter
This chapter explores how regional transformative innovation policies require a new form of governance, transformative governance, that is inclusive, reflexive, and adaptive. Regional governments play a key role in coordinating diverse actors to address local and systemic challenges. The concept of metagovernance is proposed as a lens to understand and guide this transformation, emphasizing the need for a systemic and context-specific strategy that includes institutional design, goal-setting, and participatory processes. Metagovernance combines traditional tools (e.g., regulation, funding) with experimental approaches (e.g., agenda-building, capacity-building). While any capable actor can apply these strategies, local and regional governments are especially suited due to the contextual nature of challenges. However, shifting from top-down governance to multi-level, capacity-driven approaches is a long-term challenge that requires further research and institutional change across all government levels.
