One of the strengths of urban life certainly lies in the creativity generated by the constant interactions of diverse and imaginative minds gathered in cities. This, combined with the wide range of resources and opportunities that cities make available, allows for the creative inspiration to be materialized into innovative technologies that can benefit society.

In fact, the very phenomenon of urbanization was made possible by the rapid technological development of the past centuries; and the potential of cities to develop solutions to many of the problems our planet faces today depends significantly on technological and scientific innovation. Reversing the effects of climate change, the conservation of resources and energies, the protection of biodiversity—these challenges require creative thinking and rigorous research to give birth to innovation. In the best of cases, cities are laboratories for such innovation

Innovation in Cities: A New Paradigm

“Today, the notion of progress in a single line without goal or limit seems perhaps the most parochial notion of a very parochial century.”

Lewis Mumford, American social philosopher, historian, urban planner, 1895-1990

While urbanization has been associated with certain negative by-products, it is equally true that the technological advancement stimulated in cities has enriched the material life for many people around the world.

From the information technology revolution to groundbreaking discoveries in medicine and beyond, developments in science and technology have indeed opened up new possibilities, dramatically changing the way we live and our ability to understand ourselves and the world around us. However, the consequences of technology abused and misused are also large and numerous; and the new century will be decidedly dedicated to attempting to repair or reverse the damages done.

Today, the international community is united in the belief that science and technology must be used to support sustainable lifestyles to survive this age of unpredictability and volatility. Science and technology must be advanced with far-sightedness and a renewed awareness that the type of development our planet needs the most is one that contributes to a harmonious coexistence of man and nature.

At the dawn of this new century, the question is indeed how to innovate without destroying, to advance without regressing. Based on the experiences of the participating countries and the input of international organizations, corporations, NGOs and other civil society actors, EXPO Shanghai 2010 will attempt to answer these questions and more.