The Global Network of Innovation Districts
In a world marked by uncertainty and change, we developed The Global Network of Innovation Districts to set a new bar for how innovation districts grow and evolve. The next evolution of districts will be unique geographies that are organized for impact, demonstrate compassion in determining who benefits from innovative growth, and are competitive through strategic alliances.
Through a carefully curated process, districts that join the network work together in partnership with us to:
- Sharpen and strengthen the model of innovation districts—critical in a world where districts are becoming a “fad” with little regard for critical assets and attributes that distinguish districts from other geographies.
- Create a powerful collective of districts worldwide—where district leaders gain new knowledge, have access to empirical evidence for informed decision-making, and gain strategic skillsets now viewed as necessary for success.
- Position districts as 21st Century problem-solvers worthy of strategic investment and support—where detailed engagements with the Global Network combined with empirical analysis are leveraged to develop provocative articles that strengthen the model and argue for the right kinds of investment.
Driving such a powerful agenda depends on building and supporting a new wave of leaders to advance innovation districts. We create an environment of global collaboration in which district leaders from around the world come together to support one another. This work includes:
Tailored strategic support that builds on decades of learning from leading districts and strategic advisors.
The facilitation of new connections and peer-learning between districts.
Access to cutting-edge research and findings by The Global Institute and other actors in the field.
Innovation districts active in the Global Network often share how this type of engagement has helped advance their work. For example:
“The biggest value-add of being part of this group is that we’re able to convince our stakeholders and others that we know what we’re talking about because GIID has created a defined set of principles.”
“The biggest value-add of being part of this group is that we’re able to convince our stakeholders and others that we know what we’re talking about because GIID has created a defined set of principles.” “I have to give GIID credit for our re-thinking of how we design and use the ground floor of our innovation district. They planted a seed with us that is not going away, which is that we build the entire district with the first floor of every building open and accessible. This is a whole new way of thinking about the ground plane.”
“Our last Board seminar went very well. We had useful discussions and developed a stronger common ground for future prioritization of projects and activities. GIID’s contributions, and the discussions we had, were invaluable to us in preparing for the seminar.”
“I have made a lot of progress since joining the Global Network. Thanks to GIID’s guidance and conversations with my peers, I now have the champions that we need from the University and the Chamber at the table to go forward. We are aligned in our thoughts and outcomes desired and are now working on a Vision, Mission and Governance structure for the ID.” “I have made a lot of progress since joining the Global Network. Thanks to GIID’s guidance and conversations with my peers, I now have the champions that we need from the University and the Chamber at the table to go forward. We are aligned in our thoughts and outcomes desired and are now working on a Vision, Mission and Governance structure for the ID.”
Development of the Global Network
In March 2022, we launched the Global Network with a first group of 23 participating districts from 10 countries. We refer to the original 23 as the “Global Network Pioneers”. The program has accelerated the growth of these districts—both individually and collectively—through first-of-its-kind empirical analysis and peer learning, as well as by providing technical support to implement new strategies and initiatives in districts and their communities. Find out more about the initial work of the Global Network here.
The Global Network is anchored by our Steering Committee, which includes two Founding Partners and nine innovation districts across six countries. Actively advising us since 2019, the Steering Committee also supports the Global Network through their active engagement in sessions with districts as well as teaching districts specific areas of their work that is particularly innovative and cutting edge. In 2023, we expanded the Global Network.
