In this “innovation districts” edition of Brookings Data Now: innovation districts creating new jobs in St. Louis; new housing units built in Raleigh-Durham; institutions from three states reviving Philadelphia; and a large revitalization project in Boston.
Innovation districts are geographic areas where leading-edge institutions and companies cluster and connect with start-ups, business incubators, and accelerators. These areas are usually physically compact, transit-accessible, and technically-wired. They also offer mixed-use housing, office, and retail space. Innovation districts create an atmosphere for job growth and help people connect across various sectors, generate new ideas, and accelerate commercialization.
| 10,000 |
Estimated number of jobs to be created in St. Louis upon completion of its innovation district projectThe project is part of a $2 billion buildout plan that has already created 2,850 direct jobs to date and has sparked 1.5 million square feet of office and research space, housing, infrastructure, and retail in the Cortex area of St. Louis. |
| 1,400 |
Expected number of multi-housing units to be built in the Research Triangle Park area of Raleigh-DurhamResearch Triangle Park’s 50-year master plan calls for a greater concentration of buildings and amenities and possible construction of a light-rail transit line. |
| 1,000 |
Approximate acres along the South Boston waterfront that are part of a large project to revitalize the areaMore than 200 technology, life science, and other companies have now moved into the Innovation District in South Boston, adding over 6,000 jobs to date. |
| 31 |
Number of member institutions that form the University City Science Center in Philadelphia’s innovation districtThe member institutions from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware are leveraging their assets in teaching, research, and medicine to build the area as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. |
Learn more about the innovation districts report by Bruce Katz and Julie Wagner »
Commentary
Brookings Data Now: 10,000 Jobs Being Created in St. Louis Innovation District
June 12, 2014