ATRAKTIV aims to broaden the understanding of regional innovation systems by introducing the concept of transformative innovation systems, which are defined by their ability to make a fundamental contribution to sustainable societal development. Based on models of transition research, in particular "transformative social innovations" and "transformative capacities", a new, mission-oriented frame of reference is to be created. This is empirically tested in four regions of Germany characterized as structurally weak in order to identify and evaluate the existing innovation patterns and dynamics. The aim is to use the results to develop specific governance approaches as well as methods and instruments to support these regions in activating and strengthening their sustainability-oriented innovation systems. The project combines approaches from transformation research, innovation geography and sociology and tests them in practical application.