Znaczenie miejsc innowacyjnych w procesie rewitalizacji na podstawie badań w Lyonie, Saint-Etienne i Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowskiej Metropolii
The importance of innovation places in the revitalization process based on research in Lyon, Saint-Etienne and the Upper Silesian and Zagłębie Metropolis

Summary/Abstract: The article deals with the role of innovation places in the revitalization process. The in- novation place is the author’s concept that combines a classic and dynamic approach to a place with the process of metropolization, fostering the innovation generation process necessary to address contemporary urban challenges. In turn, revitalization in the article is understood broadly as an ele- ment of urban policy implemented through specific plans and development programs but also as a set of informal local activities contributing to the city’s revival. Especially the second understanding is related to the concept of an innovation place as effective revitalization often goes along with new or alternative solutions that may emerge from the innovation places.Six cases of innovation places are presented in the article, namely: Fabryka Pełna Życia, Centrum Zimbardo, Fabryka Porcelany (all in GZM), Mixeur and Rues du Développement Durable (Saint-Eti- enne), and Autre Soie – CCO (Lyon), to point out the relation between innovation places and revi- talization. They were examined during the research conducted from November 2020 to May 2021 in three metropolitan areas: the GZM Metropolis (Poland), Lyon, and Saint-Etienne (both in France). The classical sociological techniques of in-depth interview and observation were implemented while carrying out the empirical study. The author’s research led to the conclusion that successful revitalization can be strengthened by the presence of a bottom-up innovation place engaging with the local community. The dynamic emerging from innovation places may contribute to the empowerment of local communities, provid- ing them with more substantial potential and new social and cultural resources strengthening their operational abilities. Such regularity was observed in five out of six innovation places analysed in the article. The cooperation based on trust between municipal institutions implementing regeneration projects and local actors operating in innovation places in a given area presents one of the conditions for a positive change.

• Details
• Contents