The Global Network of Innovation Districts: 2024 – 2026 Program
Accelerate your innovation district’s growth
Join a growing global movement and engage with 45 innovation districts in the Global Network
What is the Global Network of Innovation Districts
The Global Network is a global community where district leaders from around the world come together to support one another. This work includes:
Tailored strategic support that builds on decades of learning.
Access to cutting-edge research and findings by GIID and other actors in the field.
The facilitation of new connections and peer-learning between districts.
The Global Network in numbers
Over the years, we have had the privilege of engaging with and learning from districts all over the world.
45
innovation districts participating in the Global Network
15
countries across six global regions
354
companies and institutions working with GIID to spearhead change in their local and regional areas
18
city, state and national government actively engaged to advance districts as part of their economic agendas
Why districts join the Global Network
Through a carefully curated process, districts that join the Global 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 of innovation.
Be part of a powerful collective of districts worldwide
Where district leaders gain new knowledge, have access to empirical evidence for informed decision-making, and gain strategic skill sets 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.
The Global Network is open to:
Districts in various stages of development: Districts that are emerging, evolving, or maturing.
Districts with a variety of R&D strengths: Districts with highly specialized R&D strengths or with a unique combination that covers many fields.
Districts with different levels of awareness of their own strengths: From districts that have a solid grasp on their R&D and/or place-based assets, to those that are less clear.
Districts with various levels of organization: From districts that are highly organized with some form or governance to emerging districts where institutions or companies are leading the effort.
Districts with different types of stakeholders: Leaders in the Global Network span different types of organizations: universities, medical institutions, government, or leaders within independent non-profit organizations.
Districts from all over the world: Some are lodged in highly advanced and knowledge intensive economies, others are shifting from a highly agricultural or manufacturing base to a diversified economy.
Four ways you can get involved with The Global Network
- Connect
- A global community of districts at all stages of development, with access to GIID research & insights
- Monthly newsletter with insights from research and the network
- 2 group sessions (online)
- Benchmark survey: see how your districts compares to global peers
- Join at any time
- 1-year program
- Empower
- A program that districts shape with GIID, where common challenges are addressed with peers
- Co-design the program based on your challenges
- Each session supported with new or GIID research with support from expert guests
- 12 group sessions (online)
- 2-year program
- Advance
- A highly-curated learning program to help districts design and implement integrated strategies
- Co-create a specific product or process with GIID & peers
- 12 group sessions (online)
- At least 12 one-on-one “check-ins” to support advancement
- 2 in-person visits to selected districts
- 2-year program
- Accelerate
- One-on-one GIID support in a core area, with periodic peer learning sessions in a larger group
- GIID deep, strategic engagement, giving districts dedicated time
- 8 individual sessions (online)
- 2 group sessions (online)
- GIID visits to your district to advance strategies
- GIID communications positions district and their progress for local and regional media
- 1-year program
All tiers receive:
- Invitations to GIID Global Summits on Innovation Districts
- Consultation with GIID researchers to identify innovative practices to share with others
- Key insights and innovative practice included in new “Playbook”: An update to the Rise of Innovation Districts
“This is the best support network that I’ve come across for the problems that I’m facing today, and the opportunities and challenges we will face over the next month, 6 months, 12 months.”
“Discovering governance and quality of place through curated modules revolutionized our approach to the PMC district, steering us away from countless mistakes.”
Development of the Global Network
In March 2022, we launched the Global Network with a first group of 23 participating districts from 10 countries—the “Global Network Pioneers”. The program has accelerated the growth of these districts through first-of-its-kind empirical analysis and peer learning.
In 2023, we expanded the Global Network with a second group of districts to create an even more comprehensive network of up to 50 districts around the world. This expansion reflects the growing phenomenon of innovation districts and their ambition to connect with others.
The Global Network is anchored by our Steering Committee, which includes two Founding Partners and nine innovation districts across six countries. The Steering Committee supports the Global Network through their active engagement in sessions with districts, as well as teaching districts specific areas of their work.
Since inaugurating the Global Network, GIID has conducted activities that go deep within individual innovation districts while also surfacing cross-district insights.
21
Surveys to benchmark and examine large numbers of districts in specific areas of their work
44
Unique R&D analysis of individual districts to harness their R&D strengths
69
Detailed mapping and spatial analysis of districts to help them achieve the ‘place-innovation’ nexus.
231
Group meetings and customized strategy sessions to help each district evolve
432
Strategy sessions with researchers, advisors, investors and practitioners to design sessions and drive impact
Join a growing global movement
Apply to join The Global Network of Innovation Districts