Reflecting on the BOM: the transformative potential of neighbourhood initiatives

Elaborated in the early 2000s, the community-based concept of territorial innovation and integrated area development regards the local as potentially more 'tangible', 'better', or 'more just' and democratic for the organisation of social and political change activity. Analysis of the BuurtOntwikkelingsMaatschappij (BOM) program in Antwerp demonstrates the, albeit transitory, potential of this particular initiative to satisfy human needs, enhance capabilities and empower social groups and to contribute to change of social relations, power structures and modalities of governance. Nevertheless, drawing on recent experience-based work on civil society enterprises from England, we illustrate that there currently exists both vibrant demand and opportunity for local citizens to create alternative means of socio-economic development and service delivery.