This is an insightful look at how we respond to our surroundings and what it means to create / hold space for innovation.

Often what needs to happen is a simple as what Bruce Katz, the vice president and director of the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institute and co-author of a paper titled "The Rise of Innovation Districts has to say in the story below. ""The most successful districts promote the "bump and mingle effect." Inside, the spaces are flexible and accommodate coworking and collaboration. Outside, the public spaces are animated and vibrant, whether it's from pop-ups or public programs or just a welcoming space."

Katz notes an idea that is close to my heart which is often minimized as a true innovation strategy - that "there is a larger cultural shift toward open innovation in play, companies aren't conducting research and development internally anymore, instead they're looking for ideas wherever they can get them.

However, he says calling a neighborhood " an innovation district" when it doesn't have the bona fides is an" idea virus."

When he analyzes an innovation district, he bases it on economic factors, not on surface characteristics. "This is a market dynamic, not a government program or a real estate gimmick," he says. "Labeling something as innovative doesn't necessarily make it so."

Personally, I have had numerous opportunities to work with the "best of the best" who seemingly "get it" but really...they don't. Needless to say, I found this to be a very refreshing story.

Enjoy

LINK - FAST COMPANY - CAN YOU DESIGN INNOVATION