Action research on new approaches to local economic development
The effects of ecological and geopolitical crises and growing inequalities are leading many territories to seek new economic development paradigms… In France and Europe, new practices and approaches are emerging that seek to reorganize the economy locally, redirect it towards fundamental needs, and reread its objectives under the prism of ecological transition. Beyond these pioneering territories, theʼimperative of driving ecological and social transitions is challenging the traditional economic development approach of many French local authorities. Itʼs to support such transitions that we launch Rebonds.
Repositioning economic development strategies to take better account of transition and social justice issues
How can we reposition the strategies of French local authorities by moving away from the Competitiveness, Attractiveness, Metropolization, Excellence model to better take these issues into account? What new approaches and values can bring new perspectives? What forms of governance, organization, professions, public policy instruments and tools should be designed to embody them?
Designing and testing new approaches
To explore these issues, Rebonds is a 2-year multidisciplinary action-research program to :
– Identify the concrete problems encountered by French local authorities in re-engaging economic development in the ecological transition;
– Explore and analyze the most promising practices in France and internationally in this direction, selected on the basis of these issues;
– Produce and test hypotheses for new levers to meet these reorientation needs.
Rebonds was built in collaboration with researchers Magali Taillandier and Gabriel Renault (Laboratoire Pacte – Grenoble), France Urbaine, Intercommunalités de France, with the support of ADEME.
Who’s involved?
The Puisaye Forterre community of communes, the Bassin de Pompey and Val de Garonne intercommunities, the PETR of Figeac / Vallée de Dordogne and the metropolises of Lille, Rennes, Grenoble, Nantes, Bordeaux and Orléans.
