Hammersmith & Fulham has signed a new partnership with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology to connect the tech hubs of White City and the coastal Australian city.
The boost to our White City Innovation District is the latest in a series of new partnerships we've forged with leading democracies to drive economic growth and cement H&F as a leading global innovator.
The new agreement with Melbourne Innovation Districts was sealed on Thursday 5 September at the new WEST Youth Zone, part of H&F's ambitious £150 million EdCity development in White City.
At the event, H&F Leader Cllr Stephen Cowan said:
We're building an alliance of international leaders – an alliance of friends – with a shared vision to grow their economies and make them inclusive so everyone benefits.
"The idea is that everybody should have a pathway to progress – the question is how to overcome inequalities. We have some of the answers here in H&F, but we can't do it alone.
"I'm excited for us to learn together – from our successes and failures – and to do something special that shapes the rest of the century."
Professor Alec Cameron, Vice-Chancellor and President at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), said:
"This partnership will help us shape our landscape in a way that it can help drive innovation and act as a social engine too.
"RMIT offers a range of pathways into different careers outside of traditional university courses. We've been working with the City of Melbourne and want to get industry partners and local leaders onboard.
"It's exciting to think about how our districts can complement each other to unlock opportunities in both sides of the globe to help bridge the economic divide."
Delegates from RMIT University and RMIT Europe as well as Elanor Gunn, CEO of WEST Youth Zone also attended the signing.
Two districts, one vision
The City of Melbourne, the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, both global top 150 universities, created the Melbourne Innovation Districts. Founded in 2017, it's now home to more than 60,000 jobs with a focus on nurturing small businesses, start-ups, and social enterprises.
Here in H&F, our White City Innovation District is leading growth and innovation across life sciences, climate tech and the creative industries. We've used our local powers to help give White City the ability to attract scientific and entrepreneurial excellence.
By bringing together infrastructure planning, education and development with cutting-edge research from leading scientists at Imperial College London, H&F is delivering solutions to the world's biggest issues while creating the jobs of tomorrow.
It's underpinned by our pioneering Industrial Strategy. We've helped attract major employers and innovators to the borough, such as Novartis, Autolus, Airbus, NATO, L'Oreal.
Australia – South America – Europe
As H&F expands its global network, the new partnership promises to boost business development, trade and investment in both White City and across the world.
The collaborations span a truly international network of innovation hubs, from Australia, to South America, through to Europe.
Meet H&F's international partners
Buenos Aires, Argentina
On Wednesday 4 September, H&F signed a partnership agreement with the Argentinian capital, Buenos Aires.
During the virtual event, Luis M. Bullrich – Executive Director of the city's Parque de Innovación – said: "White City and Buenos Aires are at the forefront of innovation. This marks the beginning of a partnership that will foster inclusive sustainable growth and business relationships across borders."
Cllr Cowan said: "It's the beginning of a friendship and a journey that will enrich our local communities."
Milan, Italy
On 12 June 2024, H&F connected with the Italian Innovation District of Milan (MIND). The alliance focuses on life sciences and tech, aiming to boost innovation in both cities.
Milan's district plans include a teaching hospital and STEM campus, mirroring White City's scientific landscape. Both areas boast industry leaders from L'Oreal, NATO and Novartis in White City to AstraZeneca and Illumina in Milan.
Oslo, Norway
H&F's partnership with Oslo Science City will expand the borough's international reach even further.
With 8,000 researchers, 40,000 students, and 300 start-ups, Norway's 'first' innovation district is leading research on health and life sciences, climate and energy and AI.
The partnership was formalised on Wednesday 11 September 2024.
It complements H&F's existing bond with Lillestrøm, a municipality close to Oslo, further strengthening the borough's Norwegian connections.
Barcelona, Spain
In March 2022, H&F Council and Barcelona City Council partnered to boost their tech districts. This strategic alliance links the White City Innovation District with Barcelona's 22@ District.
Since then, the collaboration has created a cross-border innovation corridor set to boost foreign investments, particularly in technology and strategic sectors such as bio and health.
