Detroit Innovation District Strategy Development

Mass Economics served as the project manager for the development of the Detroit Innovation District Implementation Plan. The Plan incorporated extensive quantitative and qualitative research encompassing four areas – economic, physical, networking, and governance – leading to recommendations for the launch of Detroit’s Innovation District. Mass Economics lead the facilitation and coordination of committee members and work stream staff, conducted dozens of interviews, performed economic research and analytics, and researched and drafted initiatives. The Implementation Plan includes fourteen initiatives to increase innovation and commercialization, create physical spaces and linkages to support Detroit’s existing innovation assets, and generate opportunities for Detroit’s residents to engage with the District.

The development of the Detroit Innovation District Implementation Plan was a collaborative process which required coordinating, facilitating, and synthesizing large numbers of interviews, working groups, and Advisory Committee meetings. As the Project Manager responsible for the Implementation Plan development, Mass Economics conducted over 70 interviews, organized and convened six working group meetings involving approximately 40 members, facilitated four Advisory Committee meetings, and led project feedback meetings for students and entrepreneurs.