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Other types of intermediaries

Organizations that design and deliver collaborative efforts on ecosystem-shaping activities that enhance the performance of the district as a whole.

The role of intermediaries

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:

  • Advance commercialization
  • Advance corporate innovation
  • Advance entrepreneurialism
  • Provide training for neighborhood residents and disadvantaged groups and/or spaces to gain access to information
  • Strengthen collaborative research efforts within institutions and/or across actors 
  • Strengthen translational research capabilities within institutions and/or across actors 
  • Strengthen relationships between institutions and industry

Accelerators and incubators

Accelerators and incubators are ecosystem-building intermediaries. Organizations that support the growth of individuals, firms, and their ideas. They help build innovation ecosystems “from the ground up” and address gaps, such as in facilitating how companies and institutions work together, supporting the process of research commercialization.

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.

Who Advances Districts?

Other actors advancing innovation districts

Actors advancing R&D

Universities & medical institutions, R&D magnets, Companies

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Ecosystem builders

Accelerators and incubators, Other types of intermediaries, New kinds of anchors

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Investors

Governments, Philanthropists, Real Estate Developers, Other investors

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Mission-driven organizations

Mission-driven organizations

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