Berlin’s Manifold Strategies Towards Commercial and Industrial Spaces: The Different Cases of Zukunftsorte

Despite being the third largest industrial agglomeration in world before World War II, Berlin was faced with an economic void after partition and reunification of city many abandoned alienated commercial spaces a compact urban fabric. What has happened this heritage over last 30 years? The main rationale behind article is to show how planned developed some these through Zukunftsorte strategy by preserving its historical sites modernizing base. As part undertaking, combines insights from planning regional innovation studies. Methodologically, two-step approach applied: First, conducts analysis fundamental frameworks technology/innovation policy trajectories regard spaces; second, multiple-case study selected <em>Zukunftsorte</em> (Adlershof, Marzahn, Schöneberg, Siemensstadt) carried out test whether what extent those are supported exhibit components we coined territorial ecosystem models. data compiled stems 15 years work engaging various steering committees, individual or joint research projects, personal interviews relevant stakeholders, regular field observations. findings suggest that Berlin’s strategies towards need integrate highly contextual approaches since size, progress, operation, means, timelines vary substantially. Whereas Adlershof well-functioning network business, academia, planners, policymakers preliminary attempts embed stakeholders residential neighborhoods European Energy Forum Schöneberg—which can be described as miniature living lab Adlershof—the other investigated do not yet deserve carry name.