You know the concept of innovation districts as urban pockets that connect anchor institutions, influential companies and startups to stimulate commerce and new developments. Think of certain blocks within University City where you can find universities, research orgs and accelerators within a few blocks of each other, or even in the same building.

But in what ways should cultural context matter to those areas? How can the surrounding community benefit from the work happening inside them?

Technical.ly Assistant Editor Stephen Babcock led a discussion on the topic at the inaugural Amplify Philly @ Home event with Tracy Brala, VP of ecosystem development for University City Science Center and executive director for Venture Cafe Philadelphia; Leigh-Ann Buchanan, founding executive director of Venture Cafe Miami; and Sally Guzik, director and general manager of Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) Philadelphia. The panelists shared their insights on cultivating inclusive spaces, building community trust and helping their organizations adapt.

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