Promoting innovation locally: Municipal regulation as barrier or boost?

This paper examines a seemingly abrupt series of shifts that have the potential to completely transform cities as a direct result of a rising digital economy. It takes into account the convergence of research from three areas of study: (a) urban concentrations of innovative activities, (b) the platform economy, and (c) municipal regulation. A case study discussion about the role of municipal regulation in ride-hailing, with particular emphasis on Uber, highlights debates regarding the challenges faced by municipalities amidst the prospect of renewed innovative activities and concomitant economic growth, alongside unknown risks. The paper concludes with a discussion about questions and approaches to understanding innovative activities in light of the emerging platform economy, and reviews key questions regarding the role that municipal regulatory decisions play in shaping the twenty-first century city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]