Regional Open Innovation Roadmapping: A New Framework for Innovation-Based Regional Development

Abstract

Abstract:To foster sustainable regional development, many regions rely on innovations. To safeguard the generation of innovations and their market introduction, companies have increasingly used technology roadmapping and open innovation. The project INNOrural (Innovations for sustainable rural development) expanded these concepts by applying them to regions. This led to the rise of the "Regional Open Innovation Roadmapping" framework for innovation-based regional development (ROIR). This framework was tested by conducting two innovation roadmapping processes in the model region of Märkisch-Oderland (MOL), Germany: the certification of regional wood fuel and the establishment of a competence center for precision farming technology. Both innovation ideas were selected during the roadmapping process by applying a sustainability assessment. After 12 months, two complete roadmaps were ready for implementation. Key principles of ROIR were identified, including the use of a clear and replicable sustainability assessment method, the involvement of all relevant stakeholder groups in the early process and the cooperation between regional and subject experts. Generally, the broader adaptation of ROIR for additional regions will be useful. Nevertheless, the ROIR processes need to be evaluated in depth to develop a better understanding and to provide evidence of the benefits and limitations of this approach. OPEN ACCESSSustainability 2015, 7 2302

Zero-Acreage Farming in the City of Berlin: An Aggregated Stakeholder Perspective on Potential Benefits and Challenges

“…Similar to what has been described by Schwerdtner [36] for an earlier application of the ROIR approach, the ZFarming process was highly appreciated by the participating stakeholders because it allowed them to reflect and select various development options. According to Schwerdtner [36], one advantage of the approach that our process confirmed is that it can be used by non-experts and increases transparency about the process and its results among all participants. Moreover, the process enabled the establishment of new cooperation and facilitated the formation of a stakeholder network.…”

“…As a very concrete outcome, the results presented in the jointly published manual for RTG can help to make meaningful use of the potential benefits of ZFarming while addressing associated problems and challenges [39]. Similar to what has been described by Schwerdtner [36] for an earlier application of the ROIR approach, the ZFarming process was highly appreciated by the participating stakeholders because it allowed them to reflect and select various development options. According to Schwerdtner [36], one advantage of the approach that our process confirmed is that it can be used by non-experts and increases transparency about the process and its results among all participants.…”

“…Figure 2. Workflow of the stakeholder-driven innovation process for ZFarming in Berlin (using the ROIR approach, based on Schwerdtner et al [36], adapted to our specific case).…”

“…To explore these objectives, a participatory and stakeholder-centered approach of "Regional Open Innovation Roadmapping (ROIR)" [36] was selected. The first research step was a series of qualitative interviews (as described by Patton [37]) to achieve an overview of the stakeholders perspectives on ZFarming.…”

“…The relevant potential benefits and challenges were examined in detail by the stakeholder network called "ZFarm-Urban Agriculture of the Future" consisting of approximately 50 experts in the field. For deeper exploration of the potential benefits and challenges of ZFarming in Berlin, we applied the participatory approach of ROIR (as described by Phaal et al [38], and Schwerdtner et al [36]). We attempted to include all the previously mentioned stakeholder groups to ensure that the experts had various backgrounds related to the interdisciplinary nature of the topic.…”