On inducing innovation in endogenous rural development. A living lab experiment

This study examines a predominantly rural area in Central Poland that is assessed as socio-economically problematic in spatial policy documents at both the national and regional levels. It aims to identify the area’s endogenous development potential through an ‘informal planning’ process. The paper presents an attempt to support internally-driven development by activating and valuing local social and material territorial capital assets. The focus is on promoting local entrepreneurship through the innovative use of natural resources. This research is rooted in a living lab approach, which connects local stakeholders with external project partners. Among other elements of territorial capital, it employs the sociological concept of entrepreneurial social infrastructure (ESI) to analyze the role of social networks in the community’s pursuit of improved socio-economic standing and enhanced quality of life. The study is part of an ongoing international research project involving 14 case studies from various European countries.