HRG’s approach engaged key players to embed our client’s efforts in their local innovation ecosystem while building important strategic connections with regional and national organizations, particularly in Boston’s rich network of med-tech, bio-tech, and e-health incubators. To accomplish this, HRG partnered with our client to organize a multi-day innovation tour in Boston, Massachusetts, which boasts one of the largest concentrations of innovation centers in med-tech, robotics, and startup incubators. The tour, which included visits to academic, state-funded, and private sector programs, provided a comprehensive view of innovation models to our client, including a variety of operating models, physical spaces, and governance structures to convene innovators, venture capital players, and community stakeholders.

Leveraging HRG’s vast innovation network, our visits also included meetings with senior leaders from each organization and facility, building a critical network for our client and drawing key lessons and best practices for founding a new innovation center, which were captured in daily reflection sessions and incorporated into a comprehensive report detailing physical requirements and key drivers for the innovation center’s future success.