sustainability Article Policy Zoning Method for Innovation Districts to Sustainably Develop the Knowledge-Economy: A Case Study in Hangzhou, China Jiwu Wang 1,2, Chengyu Tong 1,* and Xuewei Hu 1,3 1 Institute of Urban Planning & Design, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China;
[email protected] (J.W.);
[email protected] (X.H.) 2 Center for Balance Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China 3 College of Water Resources and Architectural Engineering, Tarim University, Alear 843300, China * Correspondence:
[email protected] Abstract: Innovation districts, as a particular place for knowledge-based urban development strate- gies, have been praised for promoting sustainable economic developments. They have, however, been criticized for contributing to gentrification, urban inequality, and other problems that hinder sustainability. There has been little research addressing how planners maintain economic sustain- ability and promote the social and environmental sustainability of innovation districts. This paper takes Hangzhou as a case study, using the policy zoning—a new zoning method based on suitability evaluation—to formulate the applicable place plan for building innovation districts. The results show that the policy zoning can help planners arrange the construction of innovation districts in certain urban areas and take the most targeted measures to improve the sustainability of possible innovation districts. These measures include either enhancing the foundations of the metropolitan area or promoting innovation development by referring to suitability evaluation results. Planning Citation: Wang, J.; Tong, C.; Hu, X. based on policy zoning is of benefit to the sustainability of innovation districts through avoiding the Policy Zoning Method for Innovation impulsive behavior of policymakers, as well as promoting the better distribution of development Districts to Sustainably Develop the achievements among the people, rather than concentrating on land developers and stakeholders who Knowledge-Economy: A Case Study in Hangzhou, China.