This report examines how London’s existing universities, clusters and innovation districts are evolving and sets out recommendations on how they can be encouraged to grow.
London’s urban fabric has long been shaped by the city’s economic development. As we enter the age of the knowledge economy, we are seeing London’s spatial form change once more.
Companies and institutions are revaluing proximity, authenticity and flexibility – and increasingly want places of dense urban space, a mixed urban fabric and buildings that can evolve.
This has lead to the development of new innovation districts – clusters of cutting-edge anchor institutions and companies which connect with start-ups, business incubators and accelerators.
Where employment space is at a premium, and where universities and innovation clusters are located in some of London’s most deprived boroughs, innovation districts have the potential to provide space for London’s knowledge economy, while promoting inclusive economic growth.
The report includes a foreword by Bruce Katz and Julie Wagner of the Brookings Institution.
