Sharon Zukin

The Urban Innovation Complex

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Cities like New York and San Francisco have bloomed thanks to the innovation economy. Can tech save our cities? In her new book The Innovation Complex, professor of urban sociology Sharon Zukin shows how these forces are shaping both the new urban economy and urban space. What happens when big tech enters a city? It brings talent and jobs and new ideas and urban revival, yes, but the ‘innovation complex’ also increases dependence on global capital and enables the rise of a new meritocratic elite.

Cities like New York and San Francisco have bloomed thanks to the innovation economy. Can tech save our cities?

In her new book The Innovation Complex, professor of urban sociology Sharon Zukin shows how these forces are shaping both the new urban economy and urban space. What happens when big tech enters a city? It brings talent and jobs and new ideas and urban revival, yes, but the ‘innovation complex’ also increases dependence on global capital and enables the rise of a new meritocratic elite.

Together with moderator Tracy Metz, Zukin will explore how so-called ‘superstar cities’ emerge, and whether that’s a good thing. Then she will discuss with two Dutch speakers what the Netherlands can learn from Zukin’s insights.

If you like our past program, take a look at our upcoming speakers.