Urban innovation districts as hotspots for innovators

How the space-innovators nexus works in cities? Can this nexus be understood only by looking at the geographical location of enterprises and companies or are there other enabling factors related to the spatial fabric of cities and their urban policies? This paper seeks to answer this question by focusing on how innovative entrepreneurs use spaces in cities and which dynamics enable them. Insights from Boston suggest that innovation ecosystems can benefit from a physical spatial pattern supportive of innovation. This spatial fabric includes shared spaces facilitating interaction, both informal and formal, both specialized and multi-disciplinary; public services and facilities that allow preserving uniqueness and inclusiveness. Furthermore, enabling spatial features include walkability and accessibility through transit. This suggests that a consistent set of urban policies may reinforce innovation policies aimed at targeted areas in cities.