Urbanization creates proximity in a city. However, it is only when a city develops a collaborative culture that value is created. Collaboration is an essential component of economic development. As we work toward developing cities that attract more people, we must become intentional about developing a culture of collaboration. Creating an environment where individuals are rewarded intrinsically and extrinsically for collaborating, sharing and coaching is a prerequisite to sustainable and healthy economic development. Furthermore, collaboration creates a sense of shared purpose among the respective players in a city. Gradually, they become more engaged and interested in the well-being of the city. It becomes their city, their home.
A collaborative culture builds the leadership that will sustain a city in the long term and guide new comers. I have come to believe that collaboration is the invisible hand through which individuals unconsciously or unwillingly make the market more efficient. To maximize on the proximity created by urbanization, we must create an environment conducive to the free flow of information. Individuals must feel safe to share and to ask. It has to become an identity (one of the many) of our city to maintain and sustain a comparative advantage. Most importantly, a collaborative culture is inclusive and gives each individuals the capacity to share and contribute to the best of their ability. In addition to leadership, it is the most important component that will distinguish great cities from the rest.
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