Activating Innovation Precincts: Lessons from the University of Melbourne

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.

In this Fireside Chat, you will learn:

1. Why physical proximity alone is not enough to create meaningful collaboration.
2. How precincts can create credible entry points for industry, government, start-ups, universities and community partners.
3. What relationships, programming and operating models are needed to activate an innovation precinct.
4. Which lessons from Melbourne Connect, Parkville and Arden may be transferable to other institutional and regional contexts.

Vanessa Campbell is Director of Innovation Precincts at the University of Melbourne, where she works on the University’s industry relationships through co-located partnerships across the Parkville and Arden precincts. She has more than 15 years’ experience in innovation district development and has contributed to initiatives across the Parkville Biomedical Precinct, Monash Technology Precinct and Melbourne Innovation District. Her work focuses on building the partnerships and innovation ecosystems that connect universities with industry, government and other external organisations.

A UIIN Fireside Chat is a 30-minute interview session between a UIIN facilitator and an external industry expert on a high-level topic. Participants will leave with insights and inspiration after hearing the experiences and perspectives of the guest speaker, and have the opportunity to ask questions during the session. Fireside Chats are also recorded for UIIN podcasts and are available after the session.