Collaborative innovation in a local authority – ‘local economic development-by-project’?

This paper analyses how local authorities address the challenges of prolonged austerity by making use collaborative innovation, financed through bidding for instrumental technology-based projects. Based on two case study projects within a authority in England, analysis shows managers change their role, from brokers before and during bidding, to institution-builders implementation, networkers when attempting capture long-term value The findings also highlight limits this approach, as limited nature makes it difficult value, especially if there is no follow-up funding.