Breakout 02. Urban innovation districts

Massive growth in urban populations is predicted throughout the 21st century, with urban areas becoming larger, more complex, and interconnected, and it is in cities that some of the most important global challenges of our century will need to be solved. This session examines the trend for urbanisation through the lens of urban innovation districts, with a look at their defining characteristics, analysis of their development, and reflections on the microcity approach and how they can be improved by urban design that emphasises density, resilience and sustainability.

Session moderated by Josep Pique (Spain). Speakers:

• Jacques Van Dinteren (Netherlands) – What exactly is an innovation district?
• Carina Rapetti (Argentina/Spain) – A system dynamics model to analyze development of innovation districts
• Tom Bentley (Australia) – Title TBC
• Danny Esselman (Netherlands) – A microcity approach towards innovation districts

Main megatrend pillar: People & society.

Key trends and sub-trends: Urbanisation, growing urban and inter-urban infrastructure, cities as crucibles for innovation, greater interconnectedness, smart cities/smart homes, service economy