9. Knowledge mobilization and the road ahead

This feasibility study shows that Oslo Science City can be developed into a unique and internationally leading innovation district. Based on the City of Oslo’s campus strategy, the board of Oslo Science City has developed an ambitious strategy where the interaction between knowledge development, business development and urban development will provide the basis for innovation, value creation and new jobs. The feasibility study facilitates precisely this kind of interaction and cooperation. It describes a mobilization of knowledge with significant positive ripple effects for the whole country.

THE FEASIBLITY STUDY SERVES THREE IMPORTANT PURPOSES

The feasibility study contributes to:

• Highlighting the potential that lies in the development of a dynamic innovation district, and to position Oslo Science City both nationally and internationally

• Establishing a knowledge base for the development of Oslo as a knowledge capital

• Developing a basis for strategic choice of direction for actors, owners and stakeholders in Oslo Science City

The purpose of the feasibility study is to inspire as many people as possible to discuss how this part of the city can become a national power centre for knowledge, innovation and the development of new sustainable solutions.

The solutions, concepts and the concrete plans are ambitious. Oslo Science City is meant to offer an opportunity space that will put Oslo, Norway and the Nordic region on the world’s innovation map. The new innovation district will raise the attractiveness of Oslo and Norway for international students and research communities, large and small enterprises, investors and actors in the public sector. Achieving a critical mass of key functions is not a goal in itself, but a crucial tool to create the dynamics that are needed to make innovation districts function as engines for creativity and innovation.

ESTABLISHING STRONG TIES TO BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

A well-functioning Oslo Science City requires that knowledge-intensive enterprises locate in the area. Property developers, investor and lenders should wish to finance necessary development. Innovation districts are often established through a series of profitable construction and development projects that are tied together in a larger and multifunctional concept. This way, project financing allows the participation of both public and private, international, national and local actors. A systematic effort must be made to raise the awareness of how attractive the area is. A series of workshops with different actors in the district has shown strong willingness to help realize the high ambitions for the area.

FURTHER DEVELOP THE WORK WITH THE THEMATIC GRAVITATIONAL FIELDS

A dynamic innovation district must build on strong expert communities. In the future, one should invite to thematic collaboration between research communities, students, businesses and the public sector. The study of the four gravitational fields has revealed that there are numerous ways to strengthen interdisciplinary work, collaboration between the institutions in the area, as well as between the knowledge communities, the private and the public sector. It should be communicated clearly that Oslo Science City is meant to be a platform for such collaboration, through targeted programs and signature events that bring actors and interested parties together.

A NATIONAL PROJECT WITH POSITIVE RIPPLE EFFECTS FOR THE WHOLE COUNTRY

Oslo Science City must become an open and inviting innovation district and establish strong links to expert communities and enterprises all over the country. It is important to create lasting relations with the knowledge and innovation communities in the rest of the country, and ties should be developed to small and medium-sized knowledge-intensive enterprises in all regions.

ESTABLISH A CLEAR STEPWISE STRATEGY THAT UNITES OWNERS FOR A SHARED GOAL

The feasibility study employs a holistic perspective on the development of the area that is comprised by Oslo Science City. It highlights the potential through a stepwise development of the area, where existing projects fit well together with new plans. Oslo Science City should establish a stepwise development strategy where the members of Oslo Science City are in agreement on key operational goals and frameworks.

OSLO SCIENCE CITY MUST BE AN INCLUSIVE INNOVATION DISTRICT

Oslo Science City is meant to be a learning arena and platform for education and knowledge development for the population of the whole city. The cooperation with schools and the primary healthcare service of Oslo, and an active collaboration with key actors in the culture sector will contribute to the innovation district. One should establish close cooperation with the city and its residents. Openness must be a key characteristic of the developments in the future. Debates and a variety of suggestions should be inspired and stimulated.

A GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION DISTRICT

Oslo is a green city. This should also be a trade - mark of Oslo Science City, through large and small solutions that together show the way towards a sustainable future. The feasibility study has emp - hasized the green corridor that can be developed to connect the centre of the city with the green nature areas that surround the city. Biomass in the area will be increased, nature is pulled into and between the buildings, and nature-based solutions for climate adaptation will be established as a general feature. Oslo Science City must be a testing arena for new, innovative, sustainable solutions and models. It should demonstrate urban development on nature’s terms in practice.