How place narrative and the direction of place-based development interventions interrelate: Comparing local initiatives in England and Sweden

Hermelin, Brita and Keech, Daniel ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4112-9030 (2026) How place narrative and the direction of place-based development interventions interrelate: Comparing local initiatives in England and Sweden. Local Economy. doi:10.1177/02690942261479916 (In Press)

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Abstract

This paper examines how local narratives form the foundations of local development interventions. Research centres on a qualitative study of two place-based development initiatives in England and Sweden. The English case involves the development and implementation of urban cultural and heritage strategies in the city of Gloucester. The Swedish case foresees an ambitious vision for sustainable food within future local development in Mjölby. As a result, three conclusions are presented. Firstly, while narratives for place-making nurture pride in historical foundations, the interpretation of the local past for future visions is negotiated. This formation of place-narratives depends on actor constellations and contemporary discourses for local development. Second, the roles of local governments for local development varies and what can be seen to depend on their position within respective national multi-level systems for England and Sweden. Thirdly, it remains important to understand place-making as a relational spatial activity. Motivations and resources for the initiatives reviewed here depend on broader governance and stakeholder interrelationships.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This article has been accepted for publication in Local Economy, published by Sage. Only non-commercial and non-derivative use is permitted.
Subjects:	J Political Science > JS Local government Municipal government S Agriculture > SB Plant culture > SB175 Food crops
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > Countryside and Community Research Institute
Depositing User:	Nick Lewis
Date Deposited:	07 Aug 2026 08:13
Last Modified:	10 Aug 2026 08:30
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/16464

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