Regional Poicy, Social Networks and informal structures

• This paper presents a study on regional development and innovation systems in a Swedish county. The theoretical points of departure rest on human geographical and sociological perspectives.  The regional policy in Sweden today is characterised by a strongly emphasized governance model, i.e. an orientation towards networks and cluster initiatives. The regional development programme of the county of Värmland 2004-2007 was a template for this policy. It rested upon some basic principles, such as partnership engagements, networking, EU-specific linguistic usage and superstar rhetoric. But this seemingly innovative regional policy has roots in traditional industrial society (iron works and paper mills). The network planning model gives the opportunity for informal social structures to re-enter the area of regional planning. Gender equality in regional government policy was challenged by the presence of a homosocial shadow (seamy side) structure such as secret networks and clubs on the outside of the official organizations. Networks were also important in the reproduction of traditional power structures, male dominance and hegemony. One conclusion is that networking can be used both mutually as a progressive force and as a conservative tool among actors in the innovation policy.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Social och ekonomisk geografi -- Kulturgeografi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Social and Economic Geography -- Human Geography (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Sociologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Sociology (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Sociologi -- Sociologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Sociology -- Sociology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Cluster politics

elites

gender equality

homosocial

homotopia

networks

kulturgeografi

Human Geography

Sociology

sociologi

Sociologi

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)