BOOK REVIEW | THE INNOVATION COMPLEX: Cities, Tech, and the New Economy

BOOK AUTHOR/ SHARON ZUKIN

Book Review by JOUNGWON KWON

JOUNGWON KWON is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of City and Regional Planning. With a Statistics and English Literature background, she received her M.A. in Computational Media at Duke University. Her academic interests include visualizations in plans, urban technology, and sustainable cities. She has been part of Carolina Planning Journal since 2019.

In the last decade, cities have been impacted by “innovation” in both positive and negative ways. Zukin dives deep into this complex relationship, using New York City as a case study, where the booming tech sector plays a pivotal role in shaping the urban landscape. She challenges the view that innovation is advantageous for the common good of cities. The author upends the assumption that urban innovation serves the common good, presenting compelling evidence against presuming its universal benefit.

Zukin first introduces the historical and conceptual development of innovation. She paints a vivid picture of the evoling concept of innovation from its origin in the 1940s to the current innovation complex in New York City. Her research delves into the bustling world of startups, hackathons, and meetups. These events serve as potent illustrations of the current state of innovation in the city. Through interviews and case studies, Zukin untangles the complicated relationships between innovators, manufacturers, and government officials.

They [city leaders] build multiple sites or ‘complexes’ of buildings for innovation to emerge, and they manifest a psychological ‘complex’ or cultural anxiety about technology and power (4).

While innovation is often defined as an economic boost, the innovation complex is made up of both elements of instrument and ideology. Zukin argues that the psychological “complex” is often masked by the physical “instruments” like incubators and co-working spaces. These spaces, fueled by the ideology of progress and economic growth, prioritize attracting tech companies over the needs of existing communities. She mentions how city leaders create spaces for innovation to emerge, revealing a hidden “anxiety about technology and power.” This anxiety stems from the fear of being left behind in the tech race, leading to policies that incentivize innovation without considering its potential negative impacts on equity.

…innovation is a political category (200).

Zukin critiques policies like tax breaks and zoning changes that favor tech companies without ensuring equitable outcomes such as affordable housing, public transportation improvements, and investments in local businesses. These policies often lead to gentrification, displacing existing residents and small businesses. For example, Zukin mentions how the Brooklyn waterfront in Williamsburg and Greenpoint changed their zoning to allow residential use to drive up property values, making it impossible for local businesses and residents to afford rent. She argues that cities must prioritize policies promoting inclusive innovation instead of simply chasing big tech.

Pipelines to train tech talent and bring it to the workplace do not level the playing field for the best tech jobs; they create and sustain a tech meritocracy (197).

Zukin warns that pipelines intended to train residents for tech jobs are not leveling the playing field for tech positions. They simply reinforce a “tech meritocracy” that advantages the already privileged and widens the wealth gap. These pipelines, perpetuating existing social hierarchies in various cities, are ultimately short-sighted. Instead of using immediate solutions, cities should pursue broader economic development, prioritize affordable housing, promote equitable education, and advocate for fairer national policies. By embracing this comprehensiveapproach, cities can create an inclusive ecosystem where everyone thrives, rather than perpetuating displacement.

While the book provides an in-depth analysis specific to New York City, future editions could benefit from including case studies from other cities. Since its publication in 2020, tech companies and their impact on cities have undergone significant shifts due to the pandemic. Revisiting specific examples like the closure of DogSpot (now Dog Parker) by the Department of Transportation through a deeper lens would be valuable. Analyzing this event and its impact on the relationship between innovators and government officials would further enrich this discussion.

While Zukin proposes solutions, outlining more concrete strategies would enrich their implementation and equip readers with a clearer understanding of how cities might navigate the challenges of the innovation complex. However, it is crucial to recognize that a singular, definitive solution to address all facets of this issue is unlikely. Therefore, it remains an ongoing challenge for urban planners and policymakers to thoughtfully develop and refine approaches to navigate the complexities of the innovation complex. To truly harness the power of innovation for the common good, cities must adopt a holistic approach that prioritizes equitable development. From urban planners and policymakers to business leaders and consumers, this book offers valuable insights for those navigating the changing landscape of cities.