Innovationwhere

Innovationwhere is a term used in innovation studies to describe the spatial and organizational conditions that enable ideas to be generated, tested, and scaled. It centers on the interaction between place, networks, and institutions, arguing that geography and built environments influence the flow of knowledge, talent, and capital as much as technology and markets do.

Originating in discussions of place-based innovation and urban development, innovationwhere is used to analyze how cities, regions, and dedicated districts shape innovation trajectories. The concept integrates theories of regional ecosystems, social networks, and governance to explain why certain places become more conducive to experimentation, collaboration, and rapid prototyping.

Core components of innovationwhere include physical infrastructure (labs, maker spaces, co-working environments) and digital infrastructure (high-speed data; open platforms); a skilled and diverse talent pool; supportive policies and funding mechanisms; and cross-sector collaboration among universities, companies, startups, and public agencies. Proximity, trust, and shared norms emerge as important mechanisms that facilitate knowledge spillovers, serendipitous collaboration, and iterative testing of ideas through pilots, demos, and living labs.

Applications of the concept appear in policy design, urban planning, and corporate strategy. It informs the assessment of innovation districts, regional innovation systems, and community-based experimentation programs, guiding metrics that capture place-based impact, participation, and long-term sustainability.

Critics note challenges including definitional ambiguity, potential inequities or displacement within place-based initiatives, and difficulties in measuring outcomes across different contexts. Proponents argue that a clear focus on where innovation occurs fosters more targeted investments and inclusive, adaptive ecosystems.