

The Smartest Places on Earth
Antoine van Agtmael and Fred Bakker
Brainbelts are dynamic innovation hubs that thrive on specialization, collaboration, and advanced manufacturing to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. From transforming rustbelt regions into centers of cutting-edge technology to addressing climate change and global food security, these ecosystems leverage partnerships between research institutions, industries, and governments to drive progress. By embracing technologies like 3-D printing, robotics, and renewable energy solutions, brainbelts redefine what’s possible in modern manufacturing and problem-solving. This book delves into their transformative power, exploring how they emerge, operate, and shape the future of innovation.








