Plenary session 1: Urban development: city, industry and people

September 17th, 2025 — 11:00

In this session, we’ll explore cutting-edge approaches to workforce development, sustainable growth, and inclusive community building, uncovering how innovation spaces are paving the way forward while addressing affordability, sustainability, and social equity. 

 

From Australia, Melbourne Innovation District’s collaborative civic commons, Zhongguancun’s (China) talent-industry integration, a collaboration between Milano (Italy) and Sao Paulo Innovation District (Brazil) creating sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystems, to Colombia Ruta N’s role in positioning Medellin as a hub for innovation at global scale, find out how innovation spaces worldwide are pioneering urban innovation models.

 

 

These compelling case studies reveal dynamic partnerships between people, industry, and place creating solutions that tackle 21st-century urban development challenges.  

 

Speakers

Bentley, TomMelbourne Innovation Districts, AustraliaInnovating through urban community
Zhang, JindaZhongguancun Shuzhi Artificial Intelligence Industry Alliance, ChinaFuture industrial park: integrated development and prospects driven by innovation
Franco, CarlosRuta N, ColombiaRuta N, powering Medellín’s consolidation as a hub for science, technology, and innovation
Busanelli de Aquino, AndréInnovation District of Sao Paulo City, BrazilTransitioning entrepreneurial ecosystems towards social and environmental missions: a practice-based approach