SSTI Weekly Digest “Planning Innovation Spaces” Special Issue
SSTI is the State Science & Technology Institute. They cover topics related to Technology Based Economic Development (TBED) on weekly basis. Just in time for our "Space Forum" next week they covered the topic of "Planning Innovation Spaces." The excerpt below is from the introduction to the issue which raises some very interesting questions. If you want to read the entire issue click on this link: http://www.ssti.org/Digest/digest.htm and then click on "Latest Digest Issue." See you at the event next week...Stuart 

"Edison had Menlo Park. Monet had the gardens at Giverny. Ubiquitous computing had PARC. To what extent were the great things that happened at each of these localities influenced by the places themselves? Reducing that question to economic development policy terms: Can the places of great creations be created by design? In this issue of the SSTI Weekly Digest, we examine how the design and planning of physical space can influence scientific discovery, individuals and research groups, and the performance of technology-based economic development (TBED) organizations. We combine concepts from many fields – including architecture, urban planning and, of course, economic development – to present various perspectives that may be of interest to the TBED community. Looking at research parks, as we do in one article below, you sense their growing importance as places of innovation. But drive through one of the nation’s larger research parks and one may feel a sense of separateness, as research facilities are often set on manicured lawns physically apart from each other. These places are working but how? Alternately, there are places so alive with energy, networking, discussions, buzz – whether it’s a certain café, happy hour spot, nightclub, or park or public gathering place ideal for lunching outdoors – that one can sense creativity and innovation taking place. Again the places are working, but why? As states and regions across the world are continuing the transition to a knowledge-based economy, what is the role of design and space planning? Can design positively spur creativity, collaboration, convergence of ideas, and scientific discovery? Can a building designed to increase such interaction be used effectively as a recruiting tool? And can the way various TBED organizations structure themselves within their environment boost their effectiveness? Join us, as we explore questions like these in this special issue of the SSTI Weekly Digest." 

Tattoos and Suits....

I went to today's forum on Next Generation spaces hosted by the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) and RI Nexus. It was really refreshing being in a room of people as diverse as this; once again showcasing Rhode Island's talent and interest in this subject matter.

I especially enjoyed observing folks with tattoos sitting next people with suits and ties sitting next to IT and digital media entrepreneurs sitting next to developers sitting next to architects sitting next to artists. Quite refreshing and again highlighting the hip factor we sometimes take for granted here. Over 100 people registered for this event!!!!

As an owner of a PR/communications business working with academic/government/technology and design ventures and co-located with an industrial design firm, a green design company and a graphic design shop, it was helpful to learn about the next generation of spaces/projects coming online in this marketplace and what is happening in other places like Phillie, Boston, and Portland (ME).

Thanks to Adam from BatchBlue for starting this very important discussion on RI Nexus, which led to today's forum! Great example of taking discussions off of this site and creating a live and in-person discussion (creating further networking opportunities).

AC

I think AC summed up the event well. The energy and interest in the topic was palpable. The demand clearly exists, so the supply will be forthcoming. If anyone is considering a co-working project on the West Side, I'd like to hear about it.