<p>Investigating the dynamics of regional development is central to the broader literature on the geography of innovation. While the role of innovation in economic modernisation, industrial growth, and the restructuring of regions has long dominated the scientific discourse, increasing attention has recently been directed towards major societal challenges and the need for transformative change. However, integrative perspectives on how regions cope with the dual challenge posed by structural and transformative change remain scarce. Against this background, the contributions in this special issue provide new insights into how regional development, particularly in lagging and old industrial regions, unfolds, shaped by region-specific actor constellations, agency, and institutional settings. This editorial synthesises the articles and outlines future research directions.</p>