Innovation Ecosystems 2025

Innovation ecosystem and definitions FIGURE 2 A building or campus of buildings that provides high-quality spaces and shared resources for innovators. The campus acts as a curated centre of gravity in the innovation district, concentrating diverse partners in a neutral, collaborative space. A physically compact, transit-accessible, tech-enabled geographic area with mixed-use amenities where leading-edge anchor institutions and companies cluster and connect with start-ups, business incubators and accelerators. Comprised of ideas, developments and partnerships between start-ups, accelerators, entrepreneurs, governments and institutions in close proximity to each other.Innovation hubs: provide specialized spaces and community resources for innovators focused on an industry (e.g. robotics) or common goal (e.g. better ageing for all). Industry hubs may include lab and prototyping spaces, dedicated staff and bespoke programming beyond typical innovation campus services.Co-working: provides dedicated or non-dedicated flexible workspace. It can be used by companies at any stage, but is most frequently associated with early-stage start-ups and solo entrepreneurs.Innovation ecosystem Innovation district Innovation campus Industry hubsService providers Neighbourhood groups VC fundsCommunity events Other start-ups Other investors Shared pool of private offices and open spaceHospitality Engaged real estate developers Tech transfer offices University anchorsRestaurantsHousingOffice spacesCommunity partnersDistrict leaders Capital partners Local stakeholders Local arts groups Local universities Thought leadersFuturistsUrban plannersRegional innovation districtsPolicy- makersGovernmentInnovation ecosystem (e.g. city) Innovation campus (e.g. building)Innovation district (e.g. neighbourhood) Industry hubs Specialized spaces Labs Start-ups Investors Industry events Corporate partners Accelerators Incubators Corporate HQsLocal start-ups Source: Cambridge Innovation Center, Innovation Quarter, Brookings Institution.11 Innovation Ecosystems: A Toolkit of Principles and Best Practice 13