The Role of Social Actors in Metropolitan Governance and Innovative Capacity of a Region

 The presentation will develop on the characteristics of governance in the Montreal metropolitain area and its contribution to an innovative and creative capacity. The role of space and cooperation will be discussed. The paper  identifies a high level of cooperation around metropolitan scale issues on the part of various types of organizations. In the Montreal region, government agencies as well as private corporations demonstrate

readiness to work alongside civil society organizations on joint projects. Evidence of this type of collaboration is particularly strong in the case of economic development, neighbourhood revitalization and cultural initiatives. This form of cooperation is perceived as a manifestation of the so-called ‘‘Quebec model’’ and is an asset for the Montreal metropolitan region. The paper demonstrates that a governance mode that involve social and civic organizations is more likely to be successful in terms of innovation and creativity  than those that turn their back on these organizations.