INNOVATION DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT 5 Milan Innovation District (MIND) – large-scale urban regeneration site for scaling-up innovation Overview The Milan Innovation District (MIND) is a large-scale urban regeneration project transforming the former Expo Milano 2015 site into a dynamic hub for science, technology, education, healthcare and social innovation. Spearheaded by Arexpo, MIND is envisioned as a “city of the future” where innovation and everyday life converge. It is designed to be a multifunctional, inclusive and sustainable district that fosters collaboration across sectors and disciplines. In doing so, it creates a blueprint for replication and scaling, with an aim to catalyse innovation ecosystems in other parts of Italy. Location MIND spans the municipalities of Milan and Rho, strategically located with direct access to high-speed rail, the A4 motorway, Malpensa Airport and Milan’s metro line M1. It is just 12 km from Milan’s historic centre with a developing public transport network, making it well-connected to the city centre and easy to access internationally. Key statistics –Total area: 1,000,000 m2 (1 km2). –Green spaces and public squares: 440,000+ m2. –Daily population: ~60,000 people (researchers, students, professionals, residents). –Investment: ~€4 billion. –Concession: 99-year agreement with Lendlease. Stakeholders involved –Arexpo – public majority-owned company leading the regeneration. –Lendlease – global property and infrastructure group. –Human Technopole – Italy’s life sciences research institute. –Galeazzi Hospital – 16-storey medical centre for advanced healthcare. –University of Milan (Unimi) – new science campus for 18,000 students. –Fondazione Triulza – social innovation centre engaging the third sector. Placemaking and urban design Placemaking is central to MIND’s identity. The district is designed as an “urban laboratory” where diverse functions – research, education, healthcare, housing, entertainment, event spaces and public services – are closely integrated. The sectors and innovations housed in these spaces are equally diverse – ranging from bio-tech start-ups to using robotics for architectural restoration. This mixed- use approach fosters a vibrant, inclusive community and supports innovation through everyday interactions. The master plan prioritizes human-centric design, with widespread green areas, vertical gardens and pedestrian- friendly infrastructure. Public spaces are conceived not just as amenities but as catalysts for well-being, creativity and collaboration. MIND’s masterplan emphasizes street-level permeability through its “common ground” design strategy, which fosters social interaction, mixed-use functionality and spontaneous collaboration among researchers, residents and visitors. The emphasis on sustainable mobility, including driverless transport and cycling infrastructure, reinforces MIND’s commitment to environmental resilience. MIND’s placemaking strategy includes cultural and social programming, ensuring that the district remains animated and engaging. The legacy of Expo 2015 is preserved and reimagined, turning temporary exhibition grounds into permanent spaces for innovation and community life. Innovation Ecosystems: A Toolkit of Principles and Best Practice 26

Innovation Ecosystems 2025