How do regions turn innovation into real economic opportunity? In this talk at Alliance Manchester Business School, Professor César Hidalgo explores what it takes to build successful and lasting regional innovation ecosystems. Drawing on insights from his book The Infinite Alphabet, César explains why investment alone is not enough. Instead, innovation depends on how knowledge accumulates, moves and combines, and on the people and networks that translate ideas into real-world impact. Using examples from global innovation hubs and reflecting on Manchester’s own development, he shares practical perspectives on how cities can support sustained, innovation-led growth. This session also considers the role of universities, talent and entrepreneurship in shaping future economies, and why human networks remain critical even as AI transforms the way we work. 🔗 Read the full blog: https://www.alliancembs.manchester.ac.uk/original-thinking-applied/original-thinkers/building-innovation-ecosystems-the-right-way/ 🔗 Learn more about Alliance Manchester Business School: https://www.alliancembs.manchester.ac.uk/