2025/03/18 by Robert Huggins, Piers Thompson · 1 voice · 1 citation
Social Sciences · Economics, Econometrics and Finance · #Regional Development and Policy #Cultural Industries and Urban Development #Regional Economics and Spatial Analysis
paper · pdf · doi:10.1080/17421772.2025.2474769
openalex publication_date 2025/03/18 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
This paper explores how regions can catalyse behavioural change and nurture cultures of possibility. ‘Possibility’ refers to emergent patterns of human behaviour resulting in alternative and improved outcomes for citizens and their regions. Drawing on concepts from behavioural economics, complexity economics and behavioural economic geography, the paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the behavioural factors underpinning regional development. Utilising these concepts, it develops a behavioural theoretical framework to explain the important role played by possibility for regional development. In particular, it is proposed that the nature of the decision-making capabilities of citizens, and the choice architectures shaping these decisions, are crucial to regional development. It is concluded that policies focused on improving decision-making and choice architectures will promote innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship within and across regions.