The study presented here identifies robust and time-invariant features that characterise dynamic and innovative research environments. It takes as its point of departure the results of an empirical study conducted in 2002 which identified the common characteristics of 15 dynamic and innovative public research environments, and focusses on their development by revisiting the environments after more than a decade, hence mapping them in the current research landscape. Using a model for studies of research environments that was constructed and used in the Nordic countries, the study maps both internal elements and those in the framework of the environments that influence research performance and identifies persistent factors in dynamic and innovative research environments. The findings add to our understanding of how to improve the overall ecology of knowledge production and create optimal conditions that support research environments in pursuing and ensuring excellence. Implications for further research and policy are discussed.