Learn / Who advances districts? / Ecosystem builders / Other Types
Organizations that design and deliver collaborative efforts on ecosystem-shaping activities that enhance the performance of the district as a whole.
A district ecosystem is shaped by a range of innovation-rich and knowledge-intensive actors yet virtually all districts have emerged from the strong presence of R&D intensive anchor institutions such as universities and medical institutions. While this explains the genesis of innovation districts, their evolution can shift radically and uniquely over time.
An important contributor to districts are ”ecosystem builders,” which are intermediaries that play a critical role in building the ecosystem from the ground up. They also help districts advance unique specializations including the melding of specializations, called convergence.
Intermediaries:
Accelerator
Where groups of experienced business owners and investors “accelerate” a cohort of companies through a short but intensive program, such as three to four months, finishing with a “demo” or “pitch” day.
Incubator
Where startups are supported to “incubate” potentially disruptive ideas at an early stage. Programs can include coaching and networking. Spaces can include wet labs, dry labs and office space.
Other actors advancing innovation districts
Accelerators and incubators, Other types of intermediaries, New kinds of anchors
Learn More