Innovation districts as an institutional strategy: University–industry collaboration, entrepreneurship, and economic development

Universities are increasingly adopting innovation districts as strategic tools to strengthen research commercialization, deepen industry engagement, and contribute to economic development. This paper examines how a public research university has pursued the development of three innovation districts over a 25-year period, positioning these initiatives as core institutional assets rather than isolated real estate projects. Drawing on qualitative data from interviews, archival sources, and media analysis, the study analyzes how leadership continuity, land ownership, public–private partnerships, and corporate innovation centers enabled the university to orchestrate a place-based innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The findings demonstrate how innovation districts can function as intermediating spaces that align university research capabilities with industry needs while advancing broader urban regeneration goals. The study contributes to the literature by showing that anchor institutions can leverage innovation districts to expand regional ecosystems and further their educational, research, and community engagement missions. In doing so, it offers a conceptual framework for understanding the strategic role of universities in fostering cross-sector cooperation and meeting economic growth objectives. The paper concludes by outlining significant management and policy implications for higher education leaders seeking to promote entrepreneurship and develop innovation districts that balance industry collaboration, institutional mission, and community impact.