Mellan kontinuitet och förnyelse- Lokal stigrekonstruktion efter polarbrödsbranden i Älvsbyn

Sammanfattning: The understanding and investigation of new industrial development paths is a core topic in evolutionary economic geography. In new path development theory, development is often explained through endogenous effects and in the state of ongoing processes. The impact of a sudden exogenous shock has received less attention. This essay aim is therefore to explore the impact and presence of agency in the ongoing process of new path development in Älvsbyn, in the aftermath of the devastating fire in the Polarbröd-factory on the 24 of August 2020. Path recreation is introduced as a new concept to helpfully explain the observed development of a new industrial path containing both elements of continuity and renewal. Through analyzing the empirical material sampled in semi structured interviews the essay concludes that agency is the key- factor for path reconstruction in Älvsbyn, it determines the final position in relation to continuity and renewal