Exploring the Concept of Pardis Innovation Districts: Typology and Conceptual Model

Abstract

Innovation districts are experiencing growth and expansion. Currently, these districts are not only centers for innovation, commerce, research and education; but they have also evolved into hubs for recreational, cultural and social activities. However, the various dimensions of innovation districts remain relatively understudied and ambiguous. The aim of this study is to frame the concept of the innovation district and provide a conceptual model of it. Identifying the different features of innovation districts and providing a synthesis of them is another objective of this research. Additionally, addressing the important question of how to create and expand innovation districts is part of the current research objectives. The data collection method employed in this study is systematic review. 25 sources were reviewed as the final sources to primarily address the objectives of this research. The method for data analysis and articles used is the structure of qualitative content analysis. Various definitions and concepts of innovation zones were analyzed for this study. In the next stage, the concept of innovation zones was examined based on its existential philosophy, and the initial conceptual model of the innovation zone was extracted. This conceptual model includes 5 dimensions: specifications, actors, assets, capabilities, and characteristics. This study also describes policies and planning schemes to improve participation and cooperation in innovation zones.