After a two-year audit of the “innovation district” of University City and western Center City by the Brookings Institution, the organization issued a report titled, “Emerging Innovation District Pilot Study,” that highlighted Drexel’s role in encouraging, strengthening and improving the area surrounding its campus.
The report recommended that district leaders partner with local private, public and civic leaders to build an inclusive, entrepreneurial innovation district that is better positioned to benefit local communities and compete globally.
The conclusions are in line with Drexel’s own long-range development and inclusion efforts and applauded a number of existing Drexel initiatives, including:
- The University’s partnership with Brandywine Realty Trust to break ground this year on the Schuylkill Yards development, which will create nearly 5 million square feet of mixed-use space on Drexel’s campus.
- Drexel’s expertise in technology transfer and commercial collaboration through the Drexel Ventures University accelerator.
- The Coulter-Drexel Translational Research Partner ship Program created from a grant from the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation to encourage faculty to translate biomedical engineering research.
- The University’s $10 million internal venture fund with Ben Franklin Technology Partners, housed in the Innovation Center @3401 (ic@3401).
- The $75 million Advanced Functional Fabrics of America partnership between the Department of Defense and 31 academic institutions including Drexel.
- A multi-year Promise Neighborhood Grant recently awarded to Drexel and the City of Philadelphia to work with seven schools in the West Philadelphia Promise Zone.
- Drexel’s myriad other community outreach and local business connections