Our team

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.

Chad drives the analysis of the distinct research and development strengths of innovation districts and the role they play in broader innovation ecosystems.

Igor is Global Network Director 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 50 innovation districts across 14 countries.

Laura is the Senior Manager for Research and Strategic Communications at The Global Institute, where she leads the design and delivery of applied research that advances understanding of how place shapes innovation within urban districts. She directs interdisciplinary projects that integrate qualitative and quantitative analysis, place-based and spatial assessment, and strategic narrative development to strengthen GIID’s research agenda and global visibility.

Jonah is a Research Analyst 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 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.

As Communications Specialist, Miranda supports GIID’s communications and engagement work, with a focus on social media and storytelling across the global network and research teams. She helps translate research and programme activity into accessible content that strengthens visibility, coherence, and connection across GIID’s audiences.

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.

As Communications Consultant, Angie supports GIID’s communications strategy, managing its digital platforms, and ensuring strong visibility for The Global Institute initiatives and partnerships.