Meet our team of researchers, practitioners, and field specialists who drive the day-to-day work of The Global Institute and execute its strategy
Julie Wagner
President and Co-Founder
Julie spearheads the strategic direction of GIID, which aims to position districts as crucial engines of their regional economies while solving highly complex global challenges. She has both designed, and actively implemented a triad of interconnected activities to advance the practice. This includes undertaking novel research on districts, orchestrating an impact-focused Global Network, and advancing strategic support of individual districts.
Pamela Puchalski
Vice President and Co-Founder
As Vice President and co-founder of the Global Institute on Innovation Districts (GIID), Pamela leads on strategy and partnerships to drive impact for the growing number of innovation geographies we engage with around the world.
Chad Shearer
Director of Research
Chad drives the analysis of the distinct research and development strengths of innovation districts and the role they play in broader innovation ecosystems.
Laura Biancuzzo
Senior Research Associate
Laura is a Senior Research Associate at The Global Institute, where she leads interdisciplinary research efforts focused on the intersection of place and innovation within innovation districts. She recently completed a two-year study analyzing 23 innovation districts, uncovering new patterns and hidden advantages. Her global research, which spans national policies and evaluations of research strengths in Australia, Israel, and Europe, highlights her diverse expertise and her ability to navigate the complexities of the global innovation ecosystem.
Igor Ozeran
Global Network Manager
Igor is Global Network Manager for The Global Institute, where his role is to shape and drive the success of the Global Network program, facilitating the program’s expansion and fostering a collaborative community of practitioners in 45 innovation districts across 13 countries.
Jonah Klein-Collins
Research Assistant
Jonah is a Research Assistant at The Global Institute, where his role is to analyze the distinct research and development strengths of innovation districts. His work uses spatial and statistical analyses to pinpoint innovation districts’ most prominent industries and areas of study, contextualize strengths within a district’s surrounding geographies, and characterize innovation ecosystems.
Anna Springer
Global Network Coordinator
Anna is Global Network Coordinator for The Global Institute, where she helps advance the Global Network program by supporting its operations, strengthening connections across the network, and contributing to its ongoing growth and development.
Angie Franco
Communications Coordinator
As Communications Coordinator, Angie supports GIID’s communications strategy, managing its digital platforms, and ensuring strong visibility for The Global Institute initiatives and partnerships.
Katja Schmieding
Program Manager
As Program Manager at The Global Institute on Innovation Districts, Katja supports strategic initiatives, board engagement, and internal operations. She works closely with the President to strengthen systems, manage key partnerships, and to drive the delivery of GIID’s Blueprint for Impact.
The values that inspire and drive our work
Independence
We pride ourselves on leading independent research and advanced practice. Findings and conclusions are exclusively based on data analysis led by The Global Institute.
Transparency
Unlike private firms, we seek to codify and communicate new insights and evidence to give cities, regions, and the districts within them, an even playing field.
Diversity
Women and minorities hold a limited number of positions in STEM fields that underpin advanced industries and most applied research. We’re seeking ways to change this balance.
Collegiality
We create a culture of fellowship and collaboration, where districts support each other—driving a new tier of highly-networked leaders.
