Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

Over the last decades, innovation is considered a crucial factor for urban growth. However, the same force that drives innovation often yields significant social and economic inequalities with the gains going disproportionately to a well-heeled few.

Given the current propensity of cities to develop urban planning initiatives coupled with innovative industry-oriented policies targeted at revitalizing inner city areas, the objective of this study is to understand whether innovation is effective in enabling communities to achieve their economic potential, creating social justice and equality of opportunity over the long term. This study attempts to build a useful framework that relies on (1) a qualitative investigation of policymakers’ priorities, and (2) a quantitative assessment of actual development achievements. To support this research with fresh evidence, case studies are undertaken in two innovation districts within Greater Boston: Dudley Square and the Boston Innovation District.

Results show a remarkable gap between policy expectations and practice performance in terms of sustainability accomplishments. Specifically, the stakeholders’ preferred Components turned out to be the poorest performing, especially when it comes to equality issues.

Findings from this research reveal the significance of providing decision makers with a structured decision-support tool that leads them to the understanding of how the integration of sustainability principles within the urban regeneration practice can be best achieved. Additionally, the model developed here assists policymakers in identifying the gap between their expectations for development and potential success in meeting those expectations, helping them plan strategically further actions.

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