A preview of the IASP Luxembourg conference programme

At the 40th IASP World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, our main theme will be “Megatrends in Innovation Ecosystems: What are the impacts for STPs & AOIs?”

Science parks and areas of innovation around the world each operate in their own local context and within their own regional innovation ecosystem, but they are all facing the same global megatrends, and the scientific programme at IASP Luxembourg provides an unparalleled opportunity to paint a truly worldwide picture of their impact and how our industry maximises its adaptability to change.

Following the two Pre conference training seminars on September 12th, the conference will open with a keynote address from Daria Krivonos, CEO of the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies, a thinktank responsible for key research into megatrends.

Megatrends: a melting pot of STP/AOI perspectives

The first plenary session is a melting pot that presents an overview of STP/AOI perspectives on megatrends. Exploring the diverse topics of talent development in McMaster Innovation Park (Canada), future-oriented work environments at Berlin Adlershof, Germany, heathcare challenges at IKP Knowledge Park (India) and a retrospective of the developmental phases and strategies to address megatrends at Linköping Science Park (Sweden), it sets the scene for some of the more sector-specific sessions to follow.

Energy of the future and sustainability

One of those sector-specific sessions is dedicated to energy of the future – to hydrogen, specifically. With environmental change and sustainability a key megatrend, the transition away from carbon-based energy and towards renewable, clean energy is crucial. Case studies from Krakow Technology Park (Poland), Basque Country Technology Parks (Spain) and Sandbacka Science Park (Sweden) will consider the importance of quadruple helix collaboration to develop and promote a hydrogen economy for tech and industry, and the role of STPs and AOIs in the regional energy transition. With sustainability such a crucial topic, we’ll also have breakouts on how STPs/AOIs are leading by example when it comes to environmental best practices, approaches to helping legacy industry decarbonise, and their role in achieving long-term food security.

New innovation spaces - how will they evolve?

We’ll also explore innovation spaces for tomorrow, in a world where digitalisation gives rise to new peer-to-peer processes and value creation in decentralised network economies that rely on flat structures and collaboration, from multi campus models, increasing integration with cities, and the digital multi-science park as well as innovative support mechanisms aimed at new game-changing technologies like AI and sustainable materials. Urbanisation is another megatrend that’s particularly relevant to our industry, and we’ll take a closer look at it through the lens of urban innovation districts and IASP’s Innovation District Alliance, as well as taking a snapshot of different entrepreneurial environments in Austria, Iran, Italy and Germany.

Talent and the human factor

One of the four megatrend pillars groups trends under the category of people and society. This human factor has long been a key concern for innovation ecosystems, and IASP Luxembourg will debate some of the most relevant aspects, from the varied approaches to attracting and retaining the right talent at Konza Technopolis in Kenya, Solution Innovation District in Nigeria, NSTP in Pakistan and the Central University of Technology, Free State in South Africa, to collaboration for an ageing population.

Experts and practitioners will also cover key industry topics like internationalisation and international cooperation, the value of a creative economy, supporting companies whose products have a longer lab to market period, the new approaches young STPs are taking to support their companies, as well as a few Focus Talks from innovative companies still to be confirmed.

And that’s just the scientific programme! Don’t forget you there are also technical tours to innovative Luxembourg companies, cultural visits to medieval Vianden Castle and the former Belval steelworks, networking with global peers over coffee and lunch, a welcome reception in the stunning Luxembourg Philharmonie, a space-themed party featuring food, drink and retro arcade games, and more!

Register today at https://www.iaspworldconference.com/register/ - don't forget that Early Bird prices end today, June 30th, but IASP members can contact us for a code to extend the discount until July 12th!