The role of universities in shaping the evolution of Silicon Valley’s ecosystem of innovation

Universities play a unique role in ecosystems of innovation. They interact with the other agents of the Triple Helix model, developing their functions in relation to each other and together with industry and government. Grounded in key conceptual frameworks—Triple Helix, Regional Innovation Systems and Entrepreneurial University—we analyze how the leading universities in Silicon Valley (UC Berkeley, Stanford and UC San Francisco) have evolved, adapting to new demands and, in turn, shaping the evolution of Silicon Valley. To do so we use quantitative and qualitative data and examine the changes occurring between 2007 and 2018. A close examination of the data from this period reveals an increased attention to entrepreneurship education and an intensified activity of technology transfer offices. Equally relevant are the increased interactions between universities and investors (business angels, Venture Capital funds and corporate investors), and the improvement of specific infrastructures to incubate and accelerate business ideas.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Areas of innovation in cities: the evolution of 22@Barcelona

Areas of innovation (AOIs) are on the agenda of urban planners in the revitalisation of inner cities. The knowledge-based economy provides the opportunity to base these revitalisation efforts in creating AOIs as an evolution of the old industrial districts. Grounded in key conceptual frameworks in this research field - triple helix model, knowledge-based urban development paradigm, clusters of innovation framework, co-evolutionary theory, learning region theory and lifecycle of a new venture - as a reference, this work contributes to the existing literature by proposing a comprehensive model for the evolution of AOIs from inception to maturity. Using a case research study approach, the 22@Barcelona case, an AOI that transformed an old industrial district into a knowledge-based one, allows to analyse its evolution and to elaborate a model. Academic value stems from a new theorising effort of the evolution of AOIs. Urban planners benefit by getting additional clues in the revitalisation of cities.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Roadmap to develop a data-driven city

Cities play a relevant role in economic and social development. According to data from the United Nations, 55% of the global human population lives in cities, amounting to 4.2 billion people. From the same source, we learn that this fraction amounts to 78.5% in more developed countries. On the other hand, cities are estimated to consume 2% of land, generate around 70% of global GDP, and use 60% of global energy. As much of the growth of urban population is coming from less developed cities, it is safe to predict that the weight of cities in the global social landscape will increase in the coming years.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version