More often than not, innovation springs from social interaction, rather than the romantic notion of the genius in isolation. With this in mind, Jessica Stoller-Conrad and Nancy Shute discuss three important ways in which geography fuels innovation.
"Innovation is a social process, not just an individual process," says says AnnaLee Saxenian, dean of the School of Information at the University of California, Berkeley.
In contrast to the enduring notion of the lone genius toiling in isolation to produce breakthroughs in technology and science, Stoller-Conrad and Shute point out that social interaction is a necessary ingredient in speeding incremental
improvements in an idea. "People both compete and collaborate to come up
with something better," say the authors. "And old-fashioned physical proximity still seems
to help the most, even in the age of the Internet."
Stoller-Conrad and Shute go on to explain the role that urbanity, innovation infrastructure, and social connections play in determining which locations provide the right ecosystem to support innovation.
FULL STORY: 3 Clues To How Geography Fuels Innovation
Cities Chase Elusive 'Innovation Economy'
In many places, anchor institutions and local industries are old news. New companies, new ideas, and brand-new industries are creating wealth and vibrancy. Professor Enrico Moretti explains how cities can get in on the 'innovation economy.'
Nevada's Most Interesting City: Reno
Long considered a desert backwater and second fiddle to Las Vegas, the city of Reno is having a resurgence. Small entrepreneurs, industrial giants like Tesla, and artists inspired by Burning Man are converging to overshadow the fading casino economy.
Why New Sources of Capital Matter for Cites
Cities are becoming the new economic engines due to growing sectors in technology and knowledge production. Yet, cities must recognize with that transformation there comes not only opportunities but also new challenges.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls
The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions