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High-tech development for “left behind” places: lessons-learnt from the Ruhr cybersecurity ecosystem

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  • Anna Butzin
  • Franz Flögel

Abstract

Unlike development strategies for prosperous regions and their prioritisation of high-tech sectors, alternative strategies for left behind places are suggested that shift to foundational economies, community-based social innovation and well-being. While we support this emphasis, we see a tendency to neglect the role of change agents engaged with research and teaching in high-tech domains for initiating new regional growth paths. This study shows how initial funding has promoted change agents and the emergence of today’s cybersecurity ecosystem in the old industrial region of the Ruhr. The ecosystem generates fast-growing high-tech start-ups and contributes to positive regional identification. Our paper suggests combining alternative development strategies and the support of change agency from high-tech domains to develop left behind places.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Butzin & Franz Flögel, 2024. "High-tech development for “left behind” places: lessons-learnt from the Ruhr cybersecurity ecosystem," Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 17(2), pages 307-322.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:cjrecs:v:17:y:2024:i:2:p:307-322.
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    1. Maximilian Benner & Michaela Trippl & Robert Hassink, 2024. "Sustainable and inclusive development in left-behind places," Review of Regional Research: Jahrbuch für Regionalwissenschaft, Springer;Gesellschaft für Regionalforschung (GfR), vol. 44(3), pages 237-249, September.

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