A new Brookings Institution report offers a roadmap for the innovation economy; other cities should take note The time is now for Philadelphia to build a 21st-century economy, according to a new, extensive economic report showing the city is on the cusp of achieving (or missing) an opportunity to redefine itself.
Connect to Compete: How the University City-Center City Innovation District Can Help Philadelphia Excel Globally and Serve Locally, a report by the Bass Initiative on Innovation and Placemaking at the Brookings Institution released this morning, explored why Philadelphia is underperforming despite its size and significant advantages?ranking 51st in the country in advanced industries and 34th in new firm creation?and how it can better compete in a changing landscape for innovation and entrepreneurship. The study examined Philadelphia?s emerging innovation district, which encompasses the western part of Center City and University City (specifically the area stretching from 17th Street to 43rd Street along the Market Street corridor, and south along the Schuylkill River to Grays Ferry). The 18-month analysis focused on the district?s economic strengths?it provides more than 104,000 jobs?quality of place, and proximity to infrastructure.

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A weekday scene at the Krishna P. Singh Center for Nanotechnology at the University of Pennsylvania. Connect to Compete suggests the city leverage its background in medicine as a key part ...