Activating Innovation Precincts: Lessons from the University of Melbourne
Innovation precincts are often presented as places where universities, industry, government, start-ups and communities come together — but proximity alone does not create collaboration. In this fireside chat, Vanessa Campbell, Director of Innovation Precincts at the University of Melbourne, will explore what it takes to turn a physical precinct into an active innovation ecosystem. Drawing on experience across Melbourne Connect and the wider Parkville and Arden context, the conversation will examine the operating models, partnerships, programming and trust-building needed to move from a property-led vision to sustained collaboration.
About the speaker: Vanessa Campbell leads the University of Melbourne’s work on innovation precincts, focusing on how universities can move beyond physical development to create genuinely active ecosystems of collaboration. In this practical conversation, she will share lessons on how innovation precincts can become more than buildings, labs or co-location spaces — and instead create the conditions for meaningful collaboration across universities, companies, government, start-ups and communities. The session will be valuable for anyone involved in developing, operating or partnering within innovation precincts, including leaders and professionals working in external engagement, innovation, partnerships, entrepreneurship, research translation, economic development and ecosystem building.