The City Innovation Ecosystems Program, also named the Pentahelix Program, is dedicated to supporting city leaders in shaping effective governance, urban planning, and co-innovation policies that harness the power of collaboration between various stakeholders. By leveraging funds, university talents, industry partnerships, Civil Society Organizations, innovation catalysts, and incubators, we aim to accelerate co-innovation at the city level. Our program provides a framework and resources for city leaders to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem within their communities.

Our Goal:

To create vibrant, future-ready cities that thrive on innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

Our Mission:

To guide city leaders in shaping effective governance, urban planning, and co-innovation policies, enabling them to leverage resources, talents, and expertise from diverse sectors to accelerate co-innovation at the city level, metropolis, or provincial levels.

What We Offer:

Policy Guidance and Support

We provide city leaders with expert guidance on formulating policies that foster innovation ecosystems. Our team of experienced professionals assists in developing governance frameworks, urban planning strategies, and co-innovation policies tailored to the specific needs of each city.

Stakeholder Engagement

We facilitate collaboration among government agencies, universities, industries, civil society organizations, and innovation catalysts. Through workshops, forums, and networking events, we encourage open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and partnership building to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem.

Resource Mobilization

We help cities access funding opportunities and leverage resources from various stakeholders. Our network connects city leaders with potential investors, sponsors, and philanthropic organizations to support the implementation of innovative projects and initiatives.

Talent Development

We recognize the importance of nurturing a skilled workforce to drive innovation. Our program provides city leaders with access to university talents, research institutions, and training programs to enhance the capabilities of local professionals and foster a culture of continuous learning.

University Partnership Programs

We support cities and local universities to shape co-innovation programs and policies such as internships, social impact funds, Undergraduate Research Opportunity Programs, and co-incubation programs. Our program provides university leaders with guidance to shape university policies to harness the innovation capacities of thousands of students who do research every semester. 

Co-Incubation and Acceleration Support

We offer guidance and support in establishing innovation incubators and accelerators within cities. By connecting city leaders with experienced incubator managers and mentors, we enable the growth of startups and ensure a conducive environment for entrepreneurship.

Learning Journey to Singapore: Understanding Co-Innovation Policies, Districts, Programs, and Funders

The Learning Journey to Singapore is an immersive experience designed to expose participants to innovative structures, programs, policies, and funders that foster co-innovation. This journey focuses on two key site visits: North One and Heartbeat@bedok, and Impact Investment Exchange. These visits provide valuable insights into Singapore's successful approaches to building a thriving co-innovation ecosystem. Participants will engage with local experts, gain practical knowledge, and establish meaningful connections within the innovation community.

Site Visit 1: North One

North One is a leading innovation district in Singapore known for its vibrant ecosystem and collaborative environment. During the site visit, participants will:

1. Explore the Innovation District: Participants will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the physical infrastructure and urban planning strategies that make North One a thriving hub for co-innovation. They will observe the integration of workspaces, research institutions, startups, and public spaces within the district.

2. Engage with Stakeholders: Participants will interact with representatives from government agencies, industry leaders, academic institutions, and innovation catalysts. Through roundtable discussions and networking sessions, they will gain insights into how these stakeholders collaborate to drive co-innovation initiatives.

3. Learn about Programs and Policies: Participants will learn about the various programs and policies implemented at North One to support co-innovation. They will understand how government agencies, such as the Urban Redevelopment Authority, facilitate the development of innovation districts and create an enabling environment for startups and entrepreneurs.

Site Visit 2: Heartbeat@bedok

Heartbeat@bedok is a community hub that showcases Singapore's efforts to create inclusive spaces for co-innovation. Participants will:

1. Explore Community Engagement: Participants will witness how Heartbeat@bedok engages with the local community, including residents, non-profit organizations, and social enterprises. They will observe how collaborative initiatives are implemented to address community needs and foster co-innovation.

2. Learn about Social Innovation: Participants will gain insights into the social innovation programs and projects housed within Heartbeat@bedok. They will understand how these initiatives leverage co-innovation to address social challenges and create positive impact.

3. Interact with Social Entrepreneurs: Participants will have the opportunity to engage with social entrepreneurs and learn about their experiences, challenges, and successes in driving co-innovation. They will explore funding models, impact measurement frameworks, and partnership strategies employed by these entrepreneurs.

Site Visit 3: Impact Investment Exchange

Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) is a leading impact investing platform based in Singapore. During the visit, participants will:

1. Understand Impact Investing: Participants will gain insights into the concept of impact investing and its role in fostering co-innovation. They will learn how impact investors channel funds into projects and initiatives that generate social and environmental benefits alongside financial returns.

2. Explore Funding Opportunities: Participants will discover various funding mechanisms and investment models available through IIX. They will learn about social impact bonds, venture philanthropy, and other innovative financing approaches that support co-innovation initiatives.

3. Engage with Impact Investors: Participants will have the chance to interact with impact investors and understand their investment criteria, due diligence processes, and expectations from co-innovation projects. They will explore potential partnerships and funding opportunities for their own initiatives.

Post-Journey Support:

After the Learning Journey, participants will receive ongoing support and resources to facilitate the implementation of co-innovation practices within their respective communities. They will have access to a network of experts, knowledge-sharing platforms, and funding opportunities to continue their co-innovation journey.

Co-Innovation Benchmarking Module

The Co-Innovation Benchmarking Program is a comprehensive 10-month initiative designed to accelerate growth and collaboration within innovation ecosystems. Building on the insights gained from the Learning Journey to Singapore, this program enables participants to benchmark their cities or organizations against global best practices, identify areas for improvement, and develop tailored strategies to foster co-innovation.

Learning Objectives:

1. Benchmarking: Assess the current state of co-innovation within participants' cities or organizations, comparing it with global leaders and identifying gaps.

2. Knowledge Transfer: Facilitate the transfer of best practices and lessons learned from successful co-innovation ecosystems, including Singapore, to participants.

3. Strategy Development: Guide participants in developing customized strategies and action plans to enhance co-innovation within their respective contexts.

4. Collaboration Building: Foster collaboration among program participants, enabling the exchange of ideas, experiences, and resources for mutual growth.

Program Structure:

Phase 1: Pre-Benchmarking Preparation 

• Program orientation and goal-setting session

• Collect data on participants' existing co-innovation initiatives and ecosystem characteristics

• Identify specific focus areas for benchmarking

Phase 2: Global Best Practices and Insights 

• Engage with global experts, innovation ecosystem leaders, and case studies from around the world

• Virtual workshops, webinars, and interactive sessions exploring successful co-innovation models, policies, and programs

• Knowledge sharing and Q&A sessions to address specific challenges and opportunities faced by participants

Phase 3: Benchmarking and Gap Analysis 

• Conduct benchmarking assessments based on predefined criteria and indicators

• Analyze the data and identify gaps and areas for improvement

• Virtual workshops and consultations with experts to review benchmarking results and provide insights

Phase 4: Strategy Development 

• Collaborative workshops and coaching sessions to develop customized co-innovation strategies

• Identify key stakeholders, engagement strategies, policy enhancements, and resource mobilization plans

• Guidance on effective governance structures and policies to support co-innovation

Phase 5: Implementation and Action Planning

• Translate strategies into actionable plans and initiatives

• Establish milestones, metrics, and performance indicators

• Peer-to-peer learning and support through virtual forums, progress reviews, and knowledge sharing sessions

Phase 6: Program Evaluation and Knowledge Exchange 

• Evaluate the impact and effectiveness of implemented initiatives

• Identify lessons learned and success stories to be shared with the wider innovation ecosystem community

• Showcase event or conference to highlight achievements and exchange insights with stakeholders and partners

Post-Program Support:

Following the completion of the Co-Innovation Benchmarking Program, participants will have access to ongoing support, including:

• Networking opportunities with fellow participants, program mentors, and experts

• Continued access to best practices, resources, and case studies in co-innovation

• Periodic check-ins and consultations to monitor progress and provide guidance

• Participation in alumni events and future collaborations

Join Us

Are you a city leader looking to transform your city into an innovation hub? Join us in shaping the future of your city through co-innovation! Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can assist you.