Collective innovation spaces in Shanghai : spatial patterns and social life/

Abstract

In 2014, the Chinese central government began an initiative - "mass innovation and entrepreneurship" - as its new strategy of economic development. Collective innovation spaces were promoted as the physical manifestation to fuel this economic development strategy. As a result, the establishment of collective innovation spaces has since received significant funding from both the public and the private sector. The number of collective innovation spaces has grown exponentially over the years. With this significant growth rate, collective innovation spaces have started to exhibit a distinctive spatial pattern and made an impact on urban life. However, few systematic studies have been carried out to understand this spatial pattern and the mechanisms behind it. This thesis takes Shanghai as the study site. Using statistical model and spatial analysis, the study identifies several clusters of collective innovation spaces (CIS) in Shanghai as well as their spatial characteristics. It demonstrates that rental housing units, IT companies, universities, restaurants, bars and coffee shops have a positive relationship with CIS clusters. However, housing developments and parks have a negative relationship with CIS clusters. Development of CIS and the thriving third places, which are privatized social spaces other than home and workspaces, generate an innovation network that facilitates social interactions, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It represents a new kind of urban development in China, integrating, connecting and preserving the existing urban fabric. Furthermore, by investigating in two case studies in Shanghai, the thesis gives policy and design suggestions on the development of CIS clusters. Keywords: Collective innovation spaces; cluster; urban development; Shanghai.