Following the case studies of Vienna and Heidelberg, this semester's colloquium series on knowledge metropolises was completed yesterday by Dr Arnault Morisson, who introduced the concept of innovation districts and reviewed the experiences from case studies around the world. An innovation district is a place-based urban development strategy that aims to regenerate an under-performing downtown neighbourhood into a desirable location for innovative and creative companies and workers. The concept originated in Barcelona in 2000 and is now extensively applied in the United States. For urban policymakers, an innovation district contributes to building the knowledge metropolis. In looking at the experience of the innovation districts of Barcelona (Spain), Boston (USA), Chattanooga (USA), and Medellín (Colombia), Dr Morisson highlighted the implications of pursuing such urban strategies for knowledge metropolises. His critical reflections included issues like gentrification, inequality within and between cities, as well as innovation districts as public relations stunts and real estate bonanza.
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