Science Parks Role in the Transition towards Urban Innovation Districts: Developing the Next Generation Innovation Hubs and Communities

This paper introduces a validated framework as well as a practical case study material on STPs changing role in the middle of transition towards broader innovation district development. It is argued that the traditional infrastructure-led development approach in the creation of regional innovation hubs must be complemented with broader socio-economical thinking and special consideration for quality of life, issues for sustainability, communities and work-life balance. This results in a progressive (re)combination and integration of innovation activity processes into the regular urban context, future smart cities, innovation districts and regional network of alliances. \n\nIt is argued that future innovation systems must be strategically integrated into the modern urban structures and support creative mechanisms for the embedded innovation activities. The next generation innovation hubs are seen as true combinations of first-class urban planning processes, orchestrated STP master planning and value-adding innovation hub concepts, which together lay visionary foundations for advanced urban platforms for induced innovation activities.