A new way to bridge research and practice

GIID Research Review is a curated intelligence service that gives you access to insights, data, and real-world examples from innovation districts around the world. 

At its core are regular, in-depth research publications—released approximately every two months—designed for busy leaders. Each issue distills complex, cross-disciplinary research into concise, highly usable insights (typically 1,500–2,500 words), supported by visual and interactive elements. 

Most reports are static; you read them once and move on. 

Research Review is continuous and cumulative. Each issue builds on previous insights, connecting learning across districts and contexts. Instead of isolated reports, it creates a living intelligence system where knowledge evolves over time and becomes more valuable with use. 

Your subscription includes: 

• Regular Research Review issues (1,500–2,500 words of curated insights)  

• Case studies and examples from districts globally  

• Practical takeaways and guidance for local application  

• Visual and interactive materials to support understanding  

• Access to a growing, cumulative knowledge base

Everything is designed to be immediately relevant and actionable. 

Our Global Network is a high-touch, collaborative platform designed to facilitate structured peer exchanges. Research Review is a lightweight, scalable entry point: 

• Does not require participation in live meetings  

• Gives your organization immediate access to curated intelligence  

Research Review allows you to benefit from GIID’s global work without joining a cohort of districts in the Global Network. 

Research Review is published on a regular cycle (approximately every two months), with each edition focusing on a specific challenge or theme. However, each issue includes new research conducted as part of our ongoing work with innovation districts worldwide through the Global Network. 

Research draws on multiple sources, including: 

• GIID’s comparative and empirical research

• Direct, on-the-ground engagement with districts across regions and sectors

• Innovation districts within the GIID Global Network

• External sources and leading practices in the field 

GIID curates, analyses, and translates this into usable insights. 

Yes. Organizations can play an active role in shaping the focus of Research Review. Many of the topics covered by the Research Review are directly tied to the Global Network program and are designed to provide insights on issues already identified as challenges for innovation districts. 

Strategic partners and participating districts can help identify priority challenges, contribute insights, and be part of the wider conversation around emerging issues. 

After subscribing, you’ll receive access to a dedicated content space where all GIID Research Review materials are available. 

New publications are released regularly and added to your library. 

Individual subscriptions are for single users.  

Institutional licenses allow you to share content across your team or organization. If you plan to use this internally (e.g. teaching, strategy teams), the institutional license is recommended. 

No. While Research Review is rooted in the GIID Global Network, it is designed for a broader set of actors working on innovation ecosystems. It is particularly valuable for: 

• Civic practitioners and government leaders. Use it to inform planning, validate funding proposals, and guide strategy 

• Universities and researchers. Use it as a credible, curated source and integrate real-world cases into teaching and research 

• Ecosystem builders and intermediaries. Use it to shape programs, support partnerships, and refine inclusive strategies 

• Innovation organizations and advisors. Use it to inform strategy, brief stakeholders, and support clients 

• Public agencies and city governments. Use it to guide decision-making, justify investments, and align policy 

• Anchor institutions. Use it to align internal strategy with district-level goals 

• Investors and developers. Use it for early-stage assessment, benchmarking, and strategic insight 

• Corporate and consulting actors. Use it to support client work, thought leadership, and positioning 

Yes. Many users are: 

• Exploring the development of a district  

• Supporting innovation ecosystems  

• Working in adjacent fields such as urban planning, economic development, and public policy 

Research Review helps you understand how districts operate and what drives impact, even if you are not directly managing one. 

Research Review is offered as a subscription-based service, with different levels of access and engagement depending on your organization’s needs. 

For specific pricing and options, please get in touch with the GIID team. 

After subscribing through our secure online payment system, your access request is automatically recorded and sent to the GIID team.

You will then receive access to a dedicated Research Review library, along with a welcome email and notifications when new issues are released.

Subscriptions are annual. If auto-renewal is not enabled, you will receive reminders before your access expires.

Yes. Subscriptions are annual and can be cancelled at renewal.

No. You can subscribe directly and access the content immediately. 

If you have specific questions or are considering an institutional license, please get in touch.

Yes. Many organizations use GIID Research Review as a starting point before: 

• Joining our Global Network  

• Engaging in on-the-ground support and advisory work 

It is designed as an entry point into GIID’s broader ecosystem, allowing you to engage at your own pace.