Section 10-A705. ED-1.3 CREATING A KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY

 

705.1The District is uniquely positioned to grow those industries that rely on access to cutting-edge technology and that specialize in a range of services such as information exchange, design, and media. The city already has a dynamic learning and research environment, a thriving arts and creative scene, quality work spaces, and a proven record of attracting such firms and employees. These industries can add significant value to the city’s economy, and can support a range of opportunities for employment and career advancement. They also offer relatively high wages and flexible working conditions. 705.1

 

705.2As noted earlier in this chapter, the District has a budding technology sector, as demonstrated by robust employment growth in several technology-intensive industries. The District also has employment concentrations in broadcasting, Internet-related services, data processing, and information services, such as libraries and syndicates. The District’s technology sector is related in part to the presence of the national capital and also to the presence of colleges and universities. The federal presence supports extensive research and development activities through laboratories such as the National Institute of Health. The universities often host cutting-edge research and development that in turn may spawn successful firms, often founded by student entrepreneurs. 705.2

 

705.3Particular research fields with strong ties to the District include information technology, clinical research, and economics. These are all uses that can take advantage of the District’s predominant commercial development type-multi-tenant, Metro-accessible office buildings. On the other hand, capturing biotechnology and research labs may be more difficult. While the District has the right elements for these uses, including universities, funding sources, and a highly educated regional labor pool, they typically prefer less costly rents in a campus-like setting. A handful of large sites in the city offer this setting, but there is competition to use these properties for other uses such as housing and federal office space. 705.3

 

705.4Rounding out the “knowledge economy” cluster are the cutting-edge arts, design, media, information, Internet, and entertainment industries. For example, the District already has the nation’s second largest video game design industry in the country. The District should do more to capitalize on its potential as a global information, research, and data center. As the generator of much of the nation’s news, the District should also take advantage of the success of established broadcast media such as CNN, BET, and XM Satellite Radio and accommodate not only radio and television, but also production and post-production facilities. The District already has a wealth of technology firms, but lags in the creative side of new media such as web design and video production. Similarly, the District should continue to foster design-driven industries, along with creative destinations that rely on cutting-edge technology such as the Spy Museum and Newseum. 705.4

 

705.5Policy ED-1.3.1: Technology-Intensive Industries

 

Aggressively pursue technology-based and creative industries, such as computer systems design, information services, data processing, and broadcasting firms. Promote the development of space that is attractive to these firms, both in new and existing buildings. Such space should include relatively lower-cost, large floor plate buildings with high load-bearing capacity and good access to transportation. 705.5

 

705.6Policy ED-1.3.2: University Partnerships

 

Enhance partnerships with universities and other institutions to generate business and employment growth in the research and development sectors, and to continue technology transfer programs for District businesses and entrepreneurs. 705.6

 

705.7Policy ED-1.3.3: Media and Design

 

Capitalize on the success of established broadcast media and design companies by continuing to grow these industries, and by growing related industries such as web design and multimedia content. 705.7

 

705.8Policy ED-1.3.4: Incentives

 

Provide incentives, marketing efforts, and zoning tools to attract and retain “knowledge cluster” and creative industries. Take full advantage of federal incentives, such as research and development tax credits, to attract such firms. 705.8

 

705.9Policy ED-1.3.5: Technology Infrastructure

 

Focus technology attraction efforts on sites and corridors where technology infrastructure (such as fiber optics cable) is already in place. Proximity to such infrastructure provides an advantage for firms that rely on the movement of large amounts of data. The capacity and need for such infrastructure should be considered when planning for the redevelopment of strategic corridors, such as New York Avenue. 705.9

 

705.10Action ED-1.3.A: Knowledge Cluster Action Strategy

 

Conduct a more detailed assessment of the knowledge cluster in the District. Such a study should be guided by a Task Force that represents economic development organizations, private industry, residents, and research institutions. It should include a review of national best practices, as well as actions to promote the development of research-driven and creative firms in the District. 705.10

 

705.11Action ED-1.3.B: Branding Washington as a Creative Hub

 

Develop a marketing and branding campaign that establishes a stronger identity for the District of Columbia as a center for creativity and innovation, capitalizing on established institutions such as the city’s museums, think tanks, arts establishments, universities, and media industries. 705.11

 

705.12Action ED-1.3.C: Technology in NoMA and the Near Southeast

 

Identify opportunities for knowledge- and technology-based industries within the emerging business districts of North-of-Massachusetts Avenue (NoMA) and the Near Southeast. 705.12

 

See also the Arts and Culture Element for policies on attracting and retaining a creative workforce, and the Educational Facilities Element for policies and actions on educational partnerships.

 

705.13  Action ED-1.3.D:  Link Federal Research and Enterprises

 

Create partnerships to better link federal agencies that conduct research with local businesses to foster the commercialization and production of new technology, enterprise development, and generation of patents in the District.

 

authority

Pursuant to the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1-306.01 et seq.), the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: District Elements of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (10 DCMR A300 through A2520) (“Comprehensive Plan”).

source

Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-300) published at 54 DCR 924 (February 2, 2007); as amended by the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2010, effective April 8, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-361) published at 58 DCR 908, 917 (February 4, 2011).

notation

The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.