Innovation and diffusion theory: application to local transport planning policies

It is broadly accepted that a business as usual planning future will lead to deteriorations in congestion and social inclusion and lead to failures in attainment of air quality and climate change goals. This implies a need to develop or transfer from elsewhere policies and practices that will deliver a step-change in impact. Innovation theory and the theory of the diffusion of innovations offers some useful insights into the conditions that are necessary for innovations to flourish and breakthrough beyond niche status. In particular, this article focuses on the role of governance mechanisms in facilitating the development of innovations and supporting their subsequent roll-out (to the extent they are deemed successful). Examples of governing by enabling and by authority are provided and discussed. The paper concludes that more resources should be targeted at the innovation and early adoption phases of innovation than is currently the case. Beyond that, the ability of authorities to engage in knowledge exchange becomes critical and this is significantly threatened by the downsizing of local government. Alternative exchange mechanisms are discussed to counter the potential impacts of the financial crisis.