Purpose-Driven Smart Specialization (S3+P): A Multilevel Model for Sustainable Regional Development

Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) has become a central instrument of European Union Cohesion Policy, yet its implementation has revealed recurring limitations, including formalistic Entrepreneurial Discovery Processes, weak multilevel coordination, generic priorities, and evaluation systems focused mainly on innovation outputs. This paper examines how shared purpose can be incorporated into S3 in ways that improve both developmental direction and implementation quality across levels. The study adopts a conceptual research design based on a critical synthesis of literature and a model-building procedure, complemented by an illustrative regional application. The main result is the Purpose-Driven Smart Specialization (S3+P) framework, a multilevel model linking individual, organizational, territorial, and macro-policy dimensions through five catalytic mechanisms: plasticity, temporality, identity, memory, and relational networks. The paper also proposes a six-step policy cycle and an indicator logic that broadens evaluation beyond conventional innovation metrics. The analysis suggests that purpose can strengthen directionality, coherence, and legitimacy in regional strategy while preserving the place-based and discovery-oriented rationale of S3. The framework contributes to current debates on the renewal of smart specialization for more sustainable and coordinated regional development.