Solution Lab 2: Forging new identities amid disruption
May 27, 2026 | 3:15 PM - 4:30 PMSL Room 2.19 Madeira
May 27, 2026 | 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM
SL Room 2.19 Madeira
Description
When communities face economic shocks or long-term disinvestment, this not only takes a hit on people’s livelihoods but also on a place’s identity. Within a place, a sense of decline and the loss of a way of life can hinder forward-looking visions and action, while externally, a negative place identity can deter potential investment and new residents. This session will examine concrete examples of how places can unearth authentic place narratives with a diversity of stakeholders, to reposition themselves as dynamic places full of opportunity – in a way that is visible globally but resonates locally. It will consider how this can be translated to seize new opportunities to reinvent their economies through policies and plans that deliver local development outcomes for all, and strengthen local pride. In this session, here about the new OECD publication “Local Identity, Pride and Branding in Place Transformation: Stories that Shape Places”. The work was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as part of the work by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to create opportunities and improve outcomes across the United Kingdom.
