Innovating through urban community

Located in Australia's largest and fastest-growing city, the Melbourne Innovation District (MID) has used networked strategies—including collaborative design and civic engagement—to create a shared identity, attract investment and leverage existing strengths. This has been instrumental in cultivating a skilled workforce and growing innovation capability particularly in health systems, climate change, and future cities.  More than 20% of Melbourne’s knowledge sector jobs are clustered in this district.  
 

The Melbourne City North approach includes creating a civic commons of shared public spaces, knowledge hubs and digital infrastructures to connect individuals, industries, and institutions through open collaboration.  

 
Blending residential life, economic activity, and infrastructure in 21st-century cities creates affordability, congestion, and sustainability challenges. Success relies on adaptive urban ecosystems that promote inclusive growth, address housing needs, support local businesses, and ensure sustainable infrastructure while developing workforce skills alongside technological innovation.  

MID's approach outlines a strategic plan for integrating people, industry and city, addressing lifelong workforce learning and innovation ecosystems together, while fostering stronger connections and collaborations with global cities and districts.