University-led model of Global Urban Development sustainable innovation zones. Case study of Poznan, Poland

Author : Dominika Pazder

Abstract : The Faculty of Architecture at Poznan University of Technology is a partner of the international organization Global Urban Development. The branch is called EDIT Poznan - Ecological District of Innovation and Technology in Poznan. GUD goal is to enable all people in the world to live and thrive in peace with each other and in harmony with nature. Currently, EDIT Poznan is the only GUD center in Poland, creating a university-led Sustainable Innovation Zone and promoting the concept of ecological collective learning, increasing the academic impact on a socio-spatial environment. Collective learning is considered as a tool for promoting the idea of inclusive sustainable development and for increasing public participation in spatial planning. The idea of creating such sustainable districts and innovation laboratories linked to universities aligns with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the development goals outlined in the City of Poznan's strategic documents. In this way, we aim to create a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience, scientific, research, and implementation collaboration at the inter-faculty and inter-university levels, both in Poland and internationally. The main idea defining the goals of this collaboration is to promote solutions that balance development and coordination of spatial activities with those that directly translate into socio-economic development.

Keywords : Sustainable Innovation, Collective Learning, Urban Development, Spatial Planning

Conference Name : International Conference on Transport, Mobility, and Urban Systems (ICTMUS-26)

Conference Place : Copenhagen, Denmark

Conference Date : 23rd Jul 2026