Community Innovation Design Program

Imagine a Place...

Intentionally designed to increase economic activity, job creation, open sharing of networks and learnings, entrepreneurial support, and revenue opportunities
Employment opportunities are created and filled by local residents
Procurement and construction opportunities are fulfilled by local vendors and contractors
Generation of tax revenues are used to fund neighborhood services and regeneration
Ability to link the ample expertise and talent in anchor educational institutions with the needs of neighborhood schools and children
Proximity creates a deeper opportunity to model the positive impact of inclusion on innovation

Innovation Districts:

An innovation district is defined as a specific geographic area where leading edge anchor institutions, educational institutions, and companies cluster and connect with startups, business incubators, and accelerators. The Brookings Institute outlined three primary observed models:

“Anchor plus” model: primarily found in the downtowns and mid-towns of central cities, where large scale mixed-use development is centered around major anchor institutions and a rich base of related firms, entrepreneurs and spin-off companies involved in the commercialization of innovation.
“Re-imagined urban areas” model: often found near or along historic waterfronts, where industrial or warehouse districts are undergoing a physical and economic transformation to chart a new path of innovative growth.
“Urbanized science park” model: commonly found in suburban and exurban areas, where traditionally isolated, sprawling areas of innovation are urbanizing through increased density and an infusion of new activities (including retail and restaurants) that are mixed as opposed to separated

We've designed a fourth type of Innovation District, one designed by the community:

Community Innovation Design Model

commonly found in traditionally blighted or distressed communities, community members engage in a process of asset mapping, district design, and strategic recruitment of businesses and residents to develop economic, physical, and networking assets that spur productive, inclusive, and sustainable growth.

Our process can help codesign an innovation model that...

Prioritizes the voice, needs and innovation opportunities of a community through a unique, documented community engagement planning process;

Measures and aids in the development of an innovation ecosystem’s economic assets, physical assets, and networked assets;

Engages regional business and property owners, educational and medical institutions, small and medium firms, and startups through location proximity, data community collected data collection and analysis, and evemts; and

Demonstrates the positive impact that collaboration and community leadership can have on innovation and economic growth.

But Why?

Solutions Must Be Place-Based

Any sustainable place-based solution must speak directly to what communities have self-identified as barriers to attaining their vision and be a resource to help create an environment where individuals can develop their own capabilities for self-management and critical thinking

Development Will Continue

Development & incentives will continue to grow in and around our communities, and we must develop processes to link innovation and opportunities to community members

Collaboration is Currency

With the right mix and recognition of the existing tools, assets, resources, and opportunities in a community, members can develop their own solutions.

Communities Desire Connection

This process allows for opportunities to build inner and outer communities. Without this strategy, isolation can result in a real or perceived lack of support systems, networks, resources, and strategic collisions