Regeneration Strategies for “Anchor+” Innovation District: A Case Study of the Tianhe Changban Plot

In the context of China's innovation-driven development strategy, the importance of the knowledge economy and technological innovation in urban development is increasingly evident. Innovation districts, focused around universities in central urban areas, have emerged as distinct models, attracting attention from authorities and academics. These districts act as crucial hubs for innovation, driving technological advancements and knowledge creation. While the concept of innovation districts originated in the United States, research in China, particularly on university-anchored districts, is still in its early stages, addressing concept definition, phenomenon analysis, and spatial patterns. The spatial typology and regeneration strategies of these districts are also underexplored. Given China's emphasis on innovation-driven development, there is a need for comprehensive exploration of university-anchored innovation districts. This exploration should assess their societal impact, innovation potential, and formulate integrated spatial typologies and regeneration strategies for their growth and sustainability. This article combines domestic and foreign research findings to define an innovation district as an open, boundary-less area characterized by small-scale urbanization, anchored innovation subjects, and a focus on innovation. It emphasizes high concentrations of startups and urban characteristics. The concept of "Anchor+" innovation districts, integrating relevant innovation theories, is introduced. The article explores the role of universities as anchor institutions and develops a spatial typology framework for innovation zones. The university's role in urban regeneration is considered a form of social innovation, influencing the spatial model of innovation districts. The research focuses on three cases—MIT's University Park, Georgia Tech's Tech Square, and Fudan University's KIC—to extract experiences in promoting knowledge spillover, functional complementarity, and community integration. The article outlines regeneration strategies, including industrial regeneration, inclusive development, institutional guarantees, and spatial updates. It then applies these strategies to redesign the Changban plot at South China University of Technology, forming the Peri-SCUT Innovation District. This district aligns with the Peri-Wushan Innovation Urban Area's vision, fostering three functional clusters and creating a knowledge-intensive industrial cluster. In conclusion, the paper proposes the "Anchor+" innovation district as a model for urban regeneration, specifically in city-center university-anchored areas. While aiming to transform the Wushan Innovation Urban Area, the research faces challenges related to complex property rights and management. The paper presents an ideal conceptual plan within Guangzhou's land policy but lacks a systematic discussion on achieving a balance among stakeholders, highlighting an area for future research improvement.