A place-based approach to tackling challenges, as opposed to a place-agnostic one, offers several advantages, emphasising the uniqueness of each locale and its specific needs, resources, and characteristics. Instead of applying a broad, one-size-fits-all solution, a place-based strategy recognises that what works well in one area might not be effective or efficient in another.
According to research findings by considering the local context and tailoring solutions accordingly, more economic, social and environmental benefits can be achieved at a substantially lower cost. This approach demonstrates that a focused investment in local measures is not only economically sound but socially advantageous as well.When applying a place-based approach to your challenges, it's beneficial to consider the following points:
There are a number of complex challenges facing every place that persist over time including social, economic and environmental systemic problems and new approaches are required to address them.
There will be a huge number of different things you will need to decarbonise, and new low carbon approaches needed to get to Net Zero.
And they are the things that keep your place alive and well. By looking at these physical system interdependencies we are taking a systems approach.
Because your place is full of diverse people and their needs.
And none of the physical systems in your place would work without them. These systems can both provide opportunity and present non-technical barriers to delivery within the physical systems.
We introduce place-based systems that harness the power of technology to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.
We focus on developing systems that are sustainable, equitable, and affordable. Our solutions are customised to the specific needs of each “place” we serve.
We re-imagine cities and we re-configure systems focusing on regenerating ecosystems.
Integrating a place-based approach, as compared to a place-agnostic strategy, has proven to offer significant benefits in tackling challenges and facilitating systems innovation. The concept of tailoring solutions to specific locales aligns with the broader philosophy of Regenerative Futures, where solutions are customised to address the unique attributes and challenges of a place, whether it's a city, a region, or a country.
A place-based strategy considers local demographics, infrastructure, resources, and cultural aspects, and is not just about environmental sustainability but also economic resilience, inclusivity, and adaptability to market and legislative shifts.
For Regenerative Futures, this philosophy extends to fostering economic models that are flexible and robust, enabling businesses, governments, and communities to not only respond to immediate needs but also to co-create a thriving, regenerative economy. By employing the CIRRCLE framework focused on capacity and capability building, Regenerative Futures helps entities transition from fragile to future-ready states, which is crucial for systemic shifts across social, economic, and environmental spheres.
In the context of place-based systems innovation, this means working alongside convening bodies—local authorities, regional bodies, or central governments—to map out the challenges and co-create solutions that are most relevant to the locality. This collaborative effort aims to overcome the non-technical barriers to change, creating a more enabling environment for all stakeholders to engage and innovate effectively.
At Regenerative Futures, our approach is founded on the belief that each place holds a unique story, one that can lead to powerful, collective action when accurately mapped and connected with others. Our strategy begins at the local level, where the intimate knowledge of each community’s strengths and challenges informs our actions. We then connect these individual narratives to form a cohesive framework that crosses borders and oceans, fostering a global network of shared wisdom and resources.
We understand that local insights are the key to unlocking global progress. By leveraging technology and human-centred design, we enable places to contribute to a rich tapestry of innovation, learning, and collaboration. This not only ensures a dynamic portfolio of projects primed for investment but also cultivates resilience and adaptability within and across regions.
As we weave these threads together, we move beyond addressing immediate challenges. We empower regions to anticipate and shape their future, creating a world where adaptability and resilience are not just reactive strategies but proactive steps towards a regenerative economy.
Our work isn't confined to net-zero objectives or environmental concerns alone—it spans the full spectrum of societal, economic, and industrial shifts, all while remaining anchored in the distinct identity of each place we serve. From local authorities to international coalitions, we transform the concept of change from daunting to achievable, enabling every place to become a beacon of systemic innovation and a harbinger of a thriving future.
