Sometimes I think I have one of the best jobs in the world.

Now, I don’t say this to sing my own praises.

Rather, as I reflect on another year of leading the Knowledge Quarter, it’s impossible not to feel a deep sense of awe and pride for the remarkable community we’ve built together—a strong and resilient network I’ve had the privilege of growing from the ground up over the past 10 years.

If we are indeed “an area that has gone from industrial wasteland to the best hope for the British economy in barely a decade” (The Economist), it’s an achievement only made possible through the countless ways, big and small, in which you’ve contributed.

The Knowledge Quarter continues to demonstrate that great things can come from small, well-connected places. 2024 has been especially transformative for us and the extraordinary members we represent:

• A new space for collaboration: In partnership with Impact Hub London and British Land, we launched a dynamic HQ that’s brought us closer than ever to our members, from Springer Nature to The Alan Turing Institute and UCL, allowing us to pool resources and create even more value for the communities we serve.

• Shaping the AI conversation: With generative AI transforming industries, we partnered with Google to conduct research, hosted a cross-sector AI Roundtable, and wrapped up the year with the Turing Lectures—a landmark collaboration with The Alan Turing Institute. AI’s impact was also highlighted by two Nobel Prizes, with 3 laureates linked to our members, UCL and Google DeepMind.

• Raising our profile everywhere: From roundtables to speeches, interviews to chats, we’ve organised over 275 formal engagements this year (that’s more than one a day!). In a time of significant political and economic change, ensuring we’re part of the right conversations has been critical.

• Advancing inclusive governance: We’ve continued groundbreaking work with City St George’s, University of London on a National Civic Impact Accelerator (NCIA) project to help universities create better civic strategies. Our focus has been on breaking down barriers to participation, particularly around EDI at the board level (and we’re looking forward to a roundtable in the new year.)

Snippets of the Knowledge Quarter lifecycle, from left to right: UCLH, Regent High School, SOAS at Senate House, the British Library and the Francis Crick Institute.

What sets the Knowledge Quarter apart, and allows it to flourish, is its exceptional diversity: science, technology, culture, education, healthcare, and creative industries all converge here. As one of our board members aptly put it, the Knowledge Quarter has the unique ability to nurture entire lifecycles of creativity and progress.

Someone can be born at UCLH, study locally at Regent High School and attend world-class institutions like Central Saint Martins of the University of the Arts London, SOAS, and City St George’s. They can find inspiration from the collections of the British Library, London Metropolitan Archives and Wellcome. Eventually, they might drive discoveries at Google, the Francis Crick Institute, or launch a social enterprise with Impact Hub London—and all within walking distance of one another.

The opportunities to flourish here are boundless—for our local citizens, for companies, and for our economy.

As we enter the new year, I’ve never been more optimistic about what lies ahead for the Knowledge Quarter. We have some exciting plans in store:

• The Knowledge Quarter Conference is back—bigger and better: Next year, our flagship conference returns, offering an unparalleled platform for members to share knowledge, showcase achievements, and connect with the wider community. To get involved, reach out to Lucy, our Events Manager, who would be happy to explore possibilities for collaboration.

• More signature events and exclusive opportunities: Expect more of our much-loved private views, curated talks, and unique opportunities to meet new Knowledge Quarter colleagues.Our newsletter, LinkedIn and Instagram channels will have the latest.
• A renewed strategy for impact: We’re developing a bold, forward-thinking strategy to drive progress, inspire optimism, and ensure the Knowledge Quarter continues to shape a future for all to thrive.If you’d like to share your thoughts, send us a message.
• New email addresses: Amongst all this excitement, keep an eye out for refreshed communications from our brand new @knowledgequarter.london addresses!

This next chapter promises to be transformative, and I’m thrilled to continue this journey with you—our incredible community of innovators, creators, and leaders, without whom none of this would be possible.

Our vision remains clear: to make this area the most fertile, vibrant, and welcoming place to work, live, and innovate in the world.

Here’s to a remarkable 2025 and the Knowledge Quarter’s ever-growing impact.

Wishing you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year,

Jodie Eastwood 

CEO, Knowledge Quarter 

P.S. I’ve also shared a reflection on LinkedIn. I’d love for you to share your thoughts with me on there.