Bruce Katz - The Rise of Innovation Districts

A panel of invited guests took questions from the audience following the Rise of Innovation Districts public lecture. Members of the panel included Bruce Katz, Kelly Kline, (economic development director of the City of Fremont, California), Councillor Dominic Beck (Rotherham) Councillor Leigh Bramall (Sheffield), Professor Richard Jones.

Bruce visited Sheffield in January 2015, and spoke about the potential that Innovation Districts may have on a place like Sheffield, and the surrounding area. Bruce Katz is a global expert on the development of Innovation Districts, which bring economic growth and help to create clusters of companies ranging from original equipment manufacturers to smaller suppliers and start-ups. Innovation Districts combine research institutions, innovative firms and business incubators with the benefits of urban living. Unlike traditional science parks, these districts cluster cutting-edge research in geographic areas that are liveable, walkable, bike-able, and transit connected. Bruce is the Vice President of the Washington DC-based Brookings Institution and author of The Rise of Innovation Districts. Previously, Bruce was Chief of Staff, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and co-led the Housing & Urban Development Transition team for the President Obama.

Professor Richard Jones, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Sheffield welcomes Bruce Katz to Sheffield.