The GFCC Releases Two Exclusive Resources on
Place-making Innovation

Published on Saturday July 5, 2025

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The GFCC has released two new exclusive materials as part of a flagship initiative of the University and Research Leadership Forum (URLF) on Leadership in Place-making Innovation.

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The work of the Forum has outlined throughout the years that universities can and should play a crucial role in driving innovation and transforming local realities by acting as catalysts of place-making innovation. These two new resources showcase practical ways through which universities can begin to embrace this broader role.

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The first resource is a concept paper that establishes a clear definition of place-making innovation and explores the dynamic role of universities working collaboratively with government, private business, and the broader community to transform local and regional realities.

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Defining Place-Making Innovation and the Central Role of Universities in Regional Transformation also offers a strategic guide with key steps to begin fostering place-making innovation at local and regional levels and outlines compelling reasons to pursue this innovative approach.

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The second resource is a case-study examining the Birmingham Innovation Precinct (BIP), a multi-stakeholder initiative led by GFCC member Aston University in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

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The case-study draws on insights gathered during a GFCC study trip and Leadership Dialogue, in November 2024, and incorporates original research. It explores the strategy, motivations, stakeholder collaboration, and Aston’s leadership role in the initiative. 

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Birmingham Innovation Precinct: A Case of University-Led Transformation Through Place-Based Innovation serves as both a blueprint for building innovation ecosystems around the world and an inspiration for university leaders and stakeholders across sectors to collaborate in transforming local and regional realities. 

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Yet, as part of the ongoing Leadership in Place-Making initiative, the GFCC and global leaders will travel to Lisbon next week for a study-trip hosted by Universidade Católica Portuguesa.

 

The agenda includes exploring the city's higher education and entrepreneurship efforts through engagements with local stakeholders and visits to key innovation sites such as Lisbon's AI hub, the Beato Innovation District, the Siemens Innovation Hub, and the Diverge (Grupo Nabeiro’s Innovation Center).

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