In April 2025, Doug Smith, President & CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance, participated in the inaugural Global Summit hosted by The Global Institute on Innovation Districts (GIID) in Monterrey, Mexico. This landmark event convened over 40 innovation districts from around the world to explore strategies for advancing inclusive innovation and regional economic growth.
During the summit, Smith highlighted the Hampton Roads region’s commitment to dual-use technologies—those serving both military and civilian applications. He noted that Bruce Katz, a prominent urban policy expert, recognized Hampton Roads as a region actively embracing these technologies, underscoring its potential as a hub for innovation. Katz is playing an integral role in the development of the Regional Investment Playbook, which the Alliance will roll out over the summer.
Smith also engaged in discussions with Di Dixon, MBA GAICD, drawing parallels between South Australia’s innovation initiatives and those in Hampton Roads. Their conversations emphasized the importance of international collaboration, particularly in support of AUKUS, the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The Norfolk Innovation Corridor also sent a delegation to the Summit, and Executive Director Linda Peck noted that they return home “with ideas to propel our district to the next level.”
The GIID Global Summit served as a platform for leaders like Smith to exchange insights and forge partnerships aimed at driving innovation within their respective regions. By participating in this global dialogue, Smith reaffirmed Hampton Roads’ dedication to fostering innovation and economic resilience through strategic collaboration.

Learn more about GIID at their website.