What is an Innovation District?

Put simply, an Innovation District is a designated zone that aims to foster economic growth and development by bringing together entrepreneurs, startups, business incubators, large companies, research institutions, and other organisations in a geographically concentrated area.

Districts are usually well-connected to transport links and provide a quality urban environment to attract a skilled workforce. The goal of an innovation district is not only to spur economic development but also to contribute to the overall liveability and sustainability of a city by integrating work, housing, and recreation in a cohesive and inclusive manner.

What have others said about Innovation Districts?

“While their focus is on the knowledge economy, innovation districts are also an opportunity to address the UK’s productivity challenge and the rising inequality in (and between) UK cities.”  -  UK Innovation Districts Group  

“An Innovation District is a concentrated area of physical spaces that cluster and foster interactions between businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, research organisations and academia. They combine economic, physical and networking assets to encourage research and development, and innovation.” - Scottish Government

“Innovation Districts are the manifestation of mega-trends altering the location preferences of people and firms and, in the process, re-conceiving the very link between economy shaping, place making and social networking.” - Brookings Institution