Globally, activity centres and innovation districts are emerging as major drivers of economic growth for cities, particularly when supported by a place-centric approach to infrastructure planning. By bringing together related industries, government agencies, educational institutions and research organisations in one zone, they commercialise knowledge through collaboration and create great places for people to live and work. They also result in new jobs that are aligned with future industries and global trends.50
Significant activity centres and innovation districts are developing in Australia's Fast-growing Cities, such as in Parkville (Victoria), Fishermans Bend (Victoria) and Parramatta/Westmead (New South Wales).
Some centres and districts are the result of deliberate planning, others have grown organically. Global case studies reinforce the need for more specialisation in Australia's largest cities, and for all levels of government to map a pathway for success by agreeing what those specialisations should be.
Not every innovation district can support every type of economic activity, so there must be a coordinated, place-based approach across every level of government to ensure the desired economic use is supported by:
• appropriate investment attraction
• government capability
• economic development support
• delivery of fit-for-purpose physical spaces
• transport and mobility services
• supporting services
• appropriate overarching governance.
The greater collaboration driven by these specialised industry agglomerations will ensure Australia's cities keep pace with similar cities such as Auckland, Lyon and Vancouver. To read more about the potential for sector-specific innovation centres, see the Energy and Social Infrastructure chapters.