  We study the phenomenon of spatiotemporal stochastic resonance (STSR) in a
chain of diffusively coupled bistable oscillators. In particular, we examine
the situation in which the \textit{global} STSR response is controlled by a
\textit{locally applied signal} and reveal a wave front propagation. In order
to deepen the understanding of the system dynamics, we introduce, on the time
scale of STSR, the study of the effective statistical renormalization of a
generic lattice system. Using this technique we provide a new criterion for
STSR, and predict and observe numerically a bifurcation-like behaviour that
reflects the difference between the most probable value of the local
quasi-equilibrium density and its mean value. Our results, tested with a chain
of nonlinear oscillators, appear to possess some universal qualities and may
stimulate a deeper search for more generic phenomena
