Understanding Place-Branding Concepts

Urban Virtues and the Innovative City

• Cities are increasingly framed by innovation discourse in their development goals.
• This study examines the relationship between innovation and a city's development through a case study in Edmonton, Alberta focusing on nanotechnology sector development.
• The research used a collaborative approach involving citizen engagement and urban touring to explore participant perspectives on Edmonton as an innovative city.
• Common themes from the conversations included network collaborations and quality of life.
• Participants also discussed innovation pathways linked to local identities and values, encompassing negative place narratives.
• The study argues that considering 'virtues of place' in city innovation strategies can help counteract homogenization and connect innovation with the possibility of place.

Introduction

• Innovation is a widely discussed aspect of city development plans and policies.
• This project focused on nanotechnology investment in Edmonton, Alberta's drive to craft a diversified knowledge economy.
• Edmonton serves as a gateway for resource economics and service sectors.
• The aims and objectives of the research were to explore the relationship between nanotechnology and Edmonton's future in a way that was place-based.
• The research promotes a spatially and socially robust approach to innovation, differing from trends where urban policy conformance to transcendent models is prioritized.

Innovative City

• The evolution of the urban scale as a driver for development and transformation is mirrored in the growing interest in innovation geography.
• Geographic factors play critical roles in knowledge creation and development.
• Historically, innovation policies have centered on translating national innovation strategies to urban scales.
• A shift towards greater attention to local identities and values, including negative narratives, is emerging.
• An integrated methodology involving citizen engagement and public research are important for shaping a successful urban future.

Public Research Methodology

• The study employed collaborative research methods through participatory research events, including a Citizens' Summit on Nanotechnology and the City.
• The summits allowed participation by many stakeholders including scientists, community leaders, and representatives of various agencies, sectors and businesses across the city.
• Further citizen engagement was secured through Futurescape City Tours to explore nanotechnology and urban development pathways.
• Participants were encouraged to photograph and caption aspects of the city representing past, present and future visions of the City.
• Research participants were encouraged to consider the context of the city, including the local environment and local/regional social identities, as influential to the future of Edmonton.

Engaging Innovation and Urban Futures

• Three articulations of the innovative city arose from the study.
• The first focused on attempts to diversify Edmonton's economy using innovation, reflecting familiar themes about network integration and the value of networking.
• The second focused on place, identity and ideal-typical arguments on the quality of life as defining an ‘innovative city’.
• The third expanded upon place identity and potential urban futures.
• These narratives can be recognized as ‘virtues of place’, which showcase the unique qualities of a given region.

Innovative Places

• The study highlights Edmonton's dynamic social and spatial context; highlighting a unique opportunity for combining local elements with wider networks.

Discussion

• The research participants identified several paths towards a flourishing future for Edmonton.
• They emphasized network-building and the importance of local values and contexts, thereby expanding the boundaries of innovation beyond a solely economic model.
• The study suggests a deeper understanding of place, identity, and urban futures is crucial to innovation strategies.
• The study highlights the limitations in relying solely on knowledge transfer from other cities to drive innovation.