Innovation engines for knowledge cities: an innovation ecology perspective

In recent years there has been an intensive research about the conditions which enable and catalyze knowledge development and innovation in the business world. At the same time, practitioners are experimenting with related concepts, methods and tools aimed at creating “Innovation Enabling Climates” in their organisations. We begin this paper by suggesting a model for such “Innovation Ecology”. This model is composed of several dimensions, such as the physical space, the time space, the virtual space, the cultural space, the financial space and the human space. A second new focus area in the research of knowledge development is the role of the city as a hub for intensive flows and exchanges of knowledge between its habitants and additional actors. Similar terms such as “Knowledge cities”, “Intelligent Cities”, “Educating Cities” and “Smart Cities” are being used. We suggest weaving the learning from the business and urban worlds by attempting to apply the dimensions of innovation ecology models to knowledge cities. More specifically, we look at multiple traditional urban constructs, and show how they might (and sometimes have been for many years) significant drivers for creativity and renewal. Innovation is the process of turning knowledge and ideas into value. An “Urban Innovation Engine” is a system which can trigger, generate, foster and catalyze innovation in the city. Typically, it is a complex system that includes people, relationships, values, processes, tools and technological, physical and financial infrastructure. One possible unifying principle behind the dimensions of innovation ecology as well as innovation engines. We suggest that what Innovation Engines really do is to create Conversations – which are the foundation of most innovations. We bring some examples and snap-shots from several Urban Innovation Engines such as the Museum, the Library, the Stock Exchange, the Café’, the Brownfield, the Grand Fair, the Outlook Tower, and the Industrial District. This paper is concluded with an attempt to provide a set of guidelines for creating a knowledge city using innovation engines as its building blocks, and innovation ecology elements as an important part of its operating system.