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SSTI Weekly Digest “Planning Innovation Spaces” Special Issue
Edison had Menlo Park. Monet had the gardens at Giverny. Ubiquitous computing had PARC. To what extent were the great things that happened at each of these localities influenced by the places themselves?
Reducing that question to economic development policy terms: Can the places of great creations be created by design?
In this issue of the SSTI Weekly Digest, we examine how the design and planning of physical space can influence scientific discovery, individuals and research groups, and the performance of technology-based economic development (TBED) organizations. We combine concepts from many fields – including architecture, urban planning and, of course, economic development – to present various perspectives that may be of interest to the TBED community.
Looking at research parks, as we do in one article below, you sense their growing importance as places of innovation. But drive through one of the nation’s larger research parks and one may feel a sense of separateness, as research facilities are often set on manicured lawns physically apart from each other. These places are working but how?
Alternately, there are places so alive with energy, networking, discussions, buzz – whether it’s a certain café, happy hour spot, nightclub, or park or public gathering place ideal for lunching outdoors – that one can sense creativity and innovation taking place. Again the places are working, but why?
As states and regions across the world are continuing the transition to a knowledge-based economy, what is the role of design and space planning? Can design positively spur creativity, collaboration, convergence of ideas, and scientific discovery? Can a building designed to increase such interaction be used effectively as a recruiting tool? And can the way various TBED organizations structure themselves within their environment boost their effectiveness?
Join us, as we explore questions like these in this special issue of the SSTI Weekly Digest.