MAPS-LED Project

The background knowledge to build the conceptual framework for gathering data, information from the case studies areas (Boston and San Diego). It is expected to produce, beyond the current state of the art on the cluster theory, a novel concept of cluster more socially and locally oriented, paving the way to pursue ground- breaking objectives, to be achieved through a rigorous and  evidence- based   empirical work delivered in WP2 and WP3. ​

​Objectives: 1. To build an assessment methodology based on a spatially- led approach and governance-oriented, including qualitative and quantitative indicators, suitable to unveil the hidden potential of regions and sub-regions in terms of S3; 2_To build a panel of data on clusters, suitable to be gathered on official open sources both in the US and in the EU, thus, suitable to support a comparative analysis of the US and EU case studies through a shared set of indicators

The creation of an evidence- based and users- oriented framework, based on the selected case studies, with respect to the spatial factors and governance of the cluster approach.

Objectives: O.2.1_To build a sound and evidence-based methodology to approach clusters with a spatial planningled and governance – oriented approach, also by including a robust set of lessons learned by mapping spatial and organisational success factors from existing cases belonging to cluster theory implementation; O.2.2_To allow the knowledge transfer among partners the innovative methodology on clusters assessment, particularly during the 2nd mid-term meeting and through the Web-Platform; O.2.3_To train Early Stage Researchers through the field work on case studies, delivered under the supervision of the staff at NEU; O.2.4_To disseminate the research goals throughout the larger stakeholders community through the 1st workshop held at FOCUS, allowing to share and assess the preliminary findings.

WP3 concerns the development and application of a valuation tool that monetises the social and environmental value of new clusters identified and described in WP2

Objectives: O.3.1_To test an emerging evaluation tool using social return on investment and ecosystem services approaches to calculate the value of regional clusters in underinvested areas; O.3.2_To provide policy makers and planners with a tested methodology capable showing why the new policy will be successful, and how public investment can be justified; O.3.3_To allow the knowledge transfer among partners the innovative methodology on S3 place- based strategies, particularly during the 4th mid-term meeting, the Symposium and through the construction of the Web-Platform; O.3.4_To train Early Stage Researchers through the research work on testing the methodology; O.3.5_To disseminate the research goals throughout the larger stakeholders community through the 3rd workshop held at AALTO and the Symposium, allowing to share the research findings.

WP4 concerns the interpretation of end-users feedbacks and information and the creation of an enhanced and comparative method, based on the results from WP2 and WP3, that is supposed to be tested in pilot S3 areas purposely selected across the EU.

Objectives:O.4.1_To test an evidence- based methodology for recognizing and assessing emerging and potential S3, suitable to be further exploited through S3-oriented policies in Europe and worldwide. O.4.2_To provide policy makers and planners with a tested methodology capable to support the decision- making process on building appropriate policy mix and enhance the potential of S3 place- based strategies. O.4.3_To allow the knowledge transfer among partners the innovative methodology on S3 place- based strategies, particularly during the 4th mid-term meeting, the Symposium and through the construction of the Web-Platform. O.4.4_To train Early Stage Researchers through the research work on testing the methodology. O.4.5_To disseminate the research goals throughout the larger stakeholders community through the 3rd workshop held at AALTO and the Symposium, allowing to share the research findings.