Innovation Districts: The Next Big Urban Idea

"For the past fifty years, the landscape of innovation has been epitomized by regions like Silicon Valley — suburban corridors of spatially isolated corporate campuses, accessible only by car, with little emphasis on the quality of life or on integrating work, housing and recreation," explains Katz, Director of the Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program. "That model now appears outdated."

In cities like Atlanta, Cambridge, Detroit, Philadelphia, San Francisco and St. Louis a new model is emerging. "This new model — the Innovation District — clusters leading-edge anchor institutions and cutting-edge innovative firms, connecting them with supporting and spin-off companies, business incubators, mixed-use housing, office, retail and 21st century urban amenities," writes Katz.