Results

This research project analyzed social innovations in mountain regions. The investigations focused on the role of knowledge, agency (actions of actors with their effects) and growth independence in tourism, healthcare and the construction industry. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in science and politics in social innovations to overcome challenges in rural areas and mountain regions such as demographic change, climate change or the lack of qualified workers. In this sense, social innovation is also being discussed as a contribution to regional development that goes beyond traditional notions of regional (economic) growth or as a contribution to regional development that is independent of (economic) growth.

Our research project contributed to the existing knowledge on social innovation processes in mountain areas and provided new insights into how social innovation can contribute to growth-independent regional development. Social innovation processes in the Bernese Oberland were analyzed with a focus on the role of knowledge and action and the way in which actors active in social innovation influence growth independence.

The results are of great importance for research and existing knowledge on the topic of innovation and economic development in peripheral areas, such as mountain regions. They contradict the view that peripheral areas are "thin" regions that do not have sufficient resources for innovation. This is because there are actors in these areas who have knowledge and pool their resources in cooperative practices to create innovations. The innovations are linked to activities that are important for breaking new ground in regional development beyond the traditional concept of regional (economic) growth. Thus, the results have important implications for practice and policy for the different regions - peripheral and core - that cannot rely on perpetual economic growth to sustain and create social and economic prosperity.

Independence from growth is promoted by various of the social innovations examined. The results show concrete practices and strategies for social innovations and enterprises that can be used by actors in such regions. Regional policy can promote these practices and strategies. In Switzerland, the New Regional Policy in particular could develop support instruments based on these practices and strategies.