Milano Innovation District showcases Italy’s innovation potential on the global stage

On May 14th 2025, key stakeholders gathered at the Camera dei Deputati in Rome for the unveiling of a pivotal new report on the IASP member Milano Innovation District (MIND). The report, led by the European House – Ambrosetti, underscores MIND’s transformative role in Italy’s economic growth and its status as a beacon of urban regeneration and innovation-driven development. 

Since its founding after Expo Milano 2015, MIND has already generated €6.7 billion in economic impact. This figure is projected to soar to €31.8 billion by 2032, positioning MIND as a critical driver of both Italy’s GDP growth and Lombardy’s regional economy. The district has also attracted €4.8 billion in investments and supported the creation of over 130,000 jobs, proving the value of combining public vision with private sector dynamism. 

A key novelty of MIND’s success lies in its collaborative model, where the public sector plays an active role in attracting private investment and overseeing the district’s development. The involvement of Arexpo, which acts as a central intermediary between public institutions and the private sector partner Lendlease, ensures that the development remains aligned with public interests while fostering private investment. This partnership model, which balances public and private needs, has been heralded as a potential blueprint for urban regeneration projects across Italy. 

Lendlease, an Australian multinational, leads the private development of the district, overseeing the design, construction, and investment of residential and commercial spaces. Meanwhile, Arexpo ensures that the district’s growth is well-managed and aligned with urban planning goals, particularly in areas such as infrastructure and public services. This unique balance between public and private stakeholders has positioned MIND as one of the world’s top 50 innovation districts and its model is being replicated in cities like Pavia, showcasing the model's potential for broader application. 

The report also highlighted the significant economic, social, and environmental impacts of the district. MIND meets the People First PPP criteria developed by the United Nations, including improved access to infrastructure and public services, economic effectiveness, resilience to climate change, and stakeholder engagement. 

From a social perspective, MIND fosters inclusive economic growth, community cohesion, and the development of accessible education and research opportunities. The district’s design aims to create a model of urban regeneration that encourages collaboration and the exchange of ideas, while adhering to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The MIND project has already gained international recognition, with missions abroad and partnerships with global innovation parks. As Arexpo expands its role in urban regeneration, it is applying the lessons learned from MIND to other regions, adapting the model to fit various local contexts. 

Looking ahead, the district offers valuable insights into the future of urban regeneration projects. Key lessons include the importance of public leadership, where public institutions actively shape the vision and direction of development, and competent facilitation, which ensures effective communication between diverse stakeholders. Moreover, balancing public and private interests remains essential for ensuring that both sectors benefit from the regeneration process. 

We extend our congratulations to the MIND Milano Innovation District, Arexpo, and their many partners on this remarkable milestone, which is set to have a lasting influence on Italy’s innovation landscape.