Territorial cohesion and innovation: a needed dialogue

Abstract

Despite this conceptual proximity, territorial cohesion and innovation have their own agendas, almost always disconnected from a territorial strategy that considers the specificities of each space as central elements to development. Some data that support this statement will be presented using the research carried out in the Centro Region of Portugal, namely interviews with 21 mayors. In general, we contribute to a better understanding of territorial policy options and to the identification of priority areas for a necessary dialogue between territorial cohesion and innovation. Based on this research, we argue that the regional/local development dynamics and projects, especially those related to territorial cohesion, competitiveness and innovation contribute significantly to the citizens’ well-being. These development dynamics which are structurally unbalanced and the consequences of these imbalances are harmful to the quality of life of the territories. Thus, public policies—as spatial planning, territorial governance instrument and intervention mechanism—acquire great relevance in the management and mitigation of these imbalances. The focus is then placed on the effectiveness of public policy since the development of the territory and the quality of life of societies depends on it. Considering the existence of a wide range of factors that prevent or reduce this effectiveness, it is essential to ensure a dialogue and convergence between the two fields of action that structure local and regional development dynamics, that is, territorial cohesion and innovation.