Urban Hotspot 2.0: The challenge of integrating knowledge hubs in the city
All over Europe, cities are investing in knowledge hotspots. By doing so they hope to attract knowledge and creativity, which enhances their competitiveness. Centers of knowledge used to be mostly situated in suburban areas. Today, however, they are increasingly being integrated in urban areas. The paper ‘Urban Hotspot 2.0’ by Willem van Winden, Lead Expert of the REDIS project, highlights some of the challenges that cities face in the need to sustainably integrate these newly emerging hotspots in existing urban environments.
Changing demands
Knowledge centers are no longer exclusively about science and technology. Creative industries such as media, fashion, and design are gaining ground. As a result, modern day knowledge hubs require a different atmosphere, and additional facilities. There needs to be room for both leisure and labor. The interests of different types of stakeholders need to be incorporated.
Smart participation
In addition to these new demands, knowledge centers need to be integrated in city centers. In order to do so properly, cities should take into account economic, social, and physical characteristics of the existing urban population and environment. Ensuring the effective participation of all stakeholders, beyond mere informing and consulting, can be helpful in doing so. Smart participation is said to increase the acceptance of newly created knowledge hubs.
No blueprint
The author includes examples from the cities of Magdeburg and
Dublin, based on which he concludes that no blueprints for optimal
integration exist. Each city has context specific requirements.
Regardless, setting up structures that ensure ongoing involvement
of all stakeholders seems to be the key to effective and
sustainable development of urban knowledge hotspots.