INNOVATION DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT 9 Punggol Digital District, Singapore Overview Punggol Digital District (PDD) is Singapore’s first smart, sustainable innovation district.64 The 50-hectare district is developed for key tech sectors such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, fintech and smart city solutions. With the Open Digital Platform (ODP) as its digital backbone, the district serves as a living lab for smart solutions.65 When fully developed, PDD will be a collaboration and innovation hub for 28,000 knowledge workers, 12,000 students from the Singapore Institute of Technology and more than 500 faculty and professional officers. By integrating businesses, academia and spaces for the community into one seamless ecosystem, it is a model for future innovation districts. Key statistics –Size: 50 hectares –Projected job creation: 28,000 jobs –Students and faculty: 12,000 students, 500+ faculty –Occupancy rate: 65% (as of 2025) –Landscape replacement area: 100% –Energy efficiency gains: 30% –Smart grid output: expected to produce up to 3,000 MWh/year when fully deployed, potential 20% energy savings through artificial intelligence and machine learning. Stakeholders –Lead developer: JTC, the Singapore Government’s industrial master planner and developer. –Government agencies: Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, Early Childhood Development Agency, Enterprise Singapore, Government Technology Agency of Singapore, Infocomm Media Development Authority, Land Transport Authority, National Environment Agency, National Parks Board, People’s Association. –Academic partner: Singapore Institute of Technology. –Industry partners: Association of Information Security Professionals, dConstruct Robotics, OCBC Bank, Panasonic, United Overseas Bank, Wanxiang Singapore. Digital infrastructure Punggol Digital District’s digital infrastructure is anchored by the ODP , which integrates real-time data from systems such as cooling, waste and energy to optimize operations and enable predictive and preventive analytics. The district features Singapore’s first smart energy grid, combining solar panels and battery storage, managed via the ODP .66 A district cooling system reduces energy consumption by 30%, while a pneumatic waste conveyance network streamlines refuse disposal.67 Digital twin and simulation tools support rapid prototyping and real-world testing, making PDD a dynamic testbed for start-ups and researchers. Together, these technologies create a smart, efficient and innovation-ready urban environment. Key success factors and lessons learned –Integrated planning: co-location of academia and industry fosters real-time collaboration and talent development. –Flexible governance: enterprise district model allows dynamic land use and planning. –Digital-physical synergy: embedding digital infrastructure from the outset ensures seamless operations and innovation. –Community-centric design: walkable, green and inclusive spaces enhance liveability and engagement. –Challenges addressed: multi-agency coordination, cybersecurity and futureproofing digital systems were tackled through modular architecture and stakeholder engagement. Source: JTC, Singapore, 2025. Innovation Ecosystems: A Toolkit of Principles and Best Practice 40

Innovation Ecosystems 2025