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Advance / How we support districts

GIID advances districts through three pathways

Access empirical research about the drivers of success. Connect with peers through our Global Network to share challenges and solutions. Implement with strategic on-the-ground support that puts insights into action.

2026 GIID Integrated Approach

Underpinning GIID’s three strands of work is a dynamic analytical tool spanning 75 indicators—this global district intelligence is drawn from in-depth investigations, interviews, and surveys conducted over 10+ years in nearly all world regions.

Comprehensive analysis on district performance and impact

Conducting both independent and commissioned research, GIID is the only organization with a comprehensive global view of innovation districts. We identify emerging trends and persistent challenges to help districts understand their competitive positioning and investment readiness. Widely cited and grounded in practice, our research defines how the field is evolving.

Accelerate district growth through structured peer-learning

The Global Network brings together leaders and their teams from nearly 50 districts for GIID-facilitated learning sessions grounded in trust, open collaboration, and action-oriented exchanges. By sharing innovative practices, lessons learned, and insightful mistakes, participants strengthen the field across different stages, specializations, and world regions.

Strategic on-the-ground support customized to your district

Partnering with you and your stakeholders, we combine global insights with rigorous local analysis—whether to help you clarify your unique value proposition, frame priority R&D, assess how place and infrastructure affect performance, or identify critical gaps constraining growth. Our deliverable: actionable strategies with clear options, trade-offs, and priorities that build momentum.

Our impact

The innovation districts we serve are on the frontlines of solving global challenges—from climate resilience to large-scale economic transformation. Below are examples of our impact across regions and contexts.

Empirical research

Global Network

On-the-ground support

Keep advancing with Research Review

A practical intelligence layer for district leaders. Research Review turns GIID’s global research and field learning into concise, visual guidance for strategy, benchmarking, partner alignment, and investment conversations.

Explore Research Review