March 2011
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Current issue: |
March 2011 |
A challenge for many private sector firms, in a vastly competitive and increasingly international market, is to create a framework for innovation. And for public sector agencies involved in urban design or economic development the challenge is to create an environment where innovation can blossom. The answer in many cases seems to be as simple as a decent cup of coffee.
In commercially focused organisations there is an increasing tendency to promote research areas where the innovation is on display and where accidental discoveries can flourish. In a current project focused on food innovation the client talked about ‘serendipitous encounters’, where collaboration results from researchers engaging with each other informally. Certainly the way research operations are managed has shifted from a mind-set where research is insulated to a ‘transparent’ environment where much of the research is on display. An example is Auckland’s Institute for Innovation in BioTechnology, which aims to have research on display in central glass-walled laboratories encircled by meeting space and office activities.
Similar issues are valid in urban design settings, where there is need for small niche business space but surrounded by the cafes and interesting meeting spaces. One of the appeals of Wellington’s Blair and Allen Streets is the extent to which there is not only space which suits the needs of niche innovative firms, but an urban environment where they can meet with colleagues and ‘serendipitously’ talk through ideas and hear about new market opportunities. In the ruins of last week’s tragedy in Christchurch lies an opportunity to create these types of business environments in a city which has, in recent decades increasingly opted for decentralization to suburban office parks and retail malls.
Proximity is critical in this process. A recent Canadian study of biotechnology innovation highlighted that spin-off businesses need to be within 500 metres, to fully capitalize on new research.
And the role of a good cup of coffee can be critical in promoting liaison, which has been part of recommendations we have made on urban design programmes and in business structures.
Recent relevant projects
- New facilites for innovation
Initial business case around a potential new facility to promote innovation between Massey University and neighbouring research organisations. - Adelaide Rd redevelopment
Economic profiling, urban design and economic development strategies around Wellington’s Adelaide Rd to capitalise on the new Hospital and health, education and film industries. - Review of economic development funding
Review of the funding and the organisation structure of economic development initiatives for Hutt City Council. - Townscape models and organisations
Modeling options for business structures and governance models to assist with townscape development in Otaki and Whakatane. - Performance measures for urban design initiatives
A methodology for evaluating the impact of urban design initiatives in Wellington’s niche districts and heritage areas.
