How to Shape Creative Territorial Energy

Abstract

The Swedish economy is dominated by a comparatively large number of big companies. The problem for Sweden and for these big companies is that there are few districts and regions where supportive small and medium sized enterprises flourish. The Gnosjo region is the exception. It is viewed as the only real ''industrial district" in Sweden. It is well known throughout Sweden and also internationally for its entrepreneurial spirit. It is discussed how to shape the creative territorial energy that supports continuous renewal of a such a region. Historically, the territorial energy has been created within the Gnosjo region, in the internal networks. Nowadays, it could be argued that external partners also have to be brought into the region. However, bringing external partners into such a region is not without problems. They must not take over the process of territorial development, thereby threatening to drain it of indigenously created energy.