Place-Based Innovation: Martin Eichler

Smart Specialisation and Climate Adaptation: Martin Eichler on Place-Based Innovation Strategies

In this interview, Martin Eichler explains how smart specialisation can support climate adaptation by helping regions develop strategies that are tailored to their specific economic, social, and environmental conditions. He describes smart specialisation as an innovation policy approach that enables structural change, strengthens regional competitiveness, and supports regions in moving towards more resilient and productive futures.

Martin also highlights why this approach is highly relevant for climate adaptation. Since adaptation requires transformation not only in the economy, but also in society, combining smart specialisation with climate policy can help regions identify practical, place-based solutions. Through TiCCA4DANU, this methodology is being applied in close cooperation with cities, regions, and local stakeholders to co-create adaptation strategies that reflect local challenges, capacities, and resources — and that can be realistically implemented in practice.