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Abstract:
Purpose
This paper addresses the
recent development of innovation districts as a distinct spatial formation
aimed simultaneously at economic development and urban regeneration. Based on
the analysis of innodistricts, we suggest an approach to analyze sustainability
in the context of the knowledge economy.
Design/methodology/approach
We use a qualitative methodology based on rapid
ethnography to describe exemplary cases: Boston and Barcelona. We also describe
a failed innovation district, Masdar City, for purposes of comparison.
Findings
Innovation districts
initially obey the logic of the market and the location decisions of specific
companies. To meet this demand, many metropolitan governments have decided to
plan and create innovation districts as a tool for development, regeneration
and the global promotion of their cities.
Research/practical
implications
In
designing sustainable innovation districts, planners need to be aware of the
inherently complex nature of sustainability and its multi-dimensional
character.
Originality/value
By
following the notion of “multiple success factors,” we contend that there are a
number of requirements that need to be met in order to achieve sustainable in no districts: (1) environmental sustainability
(sustainable infrastructure and sustainable development zones); (2)
sustainability in design and planning; (3) sustainability in management; (4)
institutional sustainability; and (5) socio-economic sustainability.
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