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Industry leaders of Areas of Innovation, Innovation Districts and Science Parks from around the world meet at IASP World Headquarters in Malaga, Spain
At IASP, we’re guided by a global perspective in everything we do. By leveraging expertise from across the globe, and guided by our International Board of Directors, we make sure our perspective stays truly international.
The Board is made up of 14 members from 13 different countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, India, Italy, Luxembourg, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sweden and Spain.
Experts in Areas of Innovation (AOIs), Innovation Districts (ID), Science Parks (STPs), and other innovation spaces, board members contributed their extensive leadership experience during a two-day meeting focused on shaping the association’s future direction. The discussions explored IASP’s strategic priorities and defined the course for the year ahead. Held from 10–12 February 2026, the annual strategy meeting was chaired by IASP President Salvatore Majorana of Kilometro Rosso Science Park, Italy. The Board also met with Francisco de la Torre, Mayor of Málaga to celebrate 30 years of IASP’s headquarters in the city, marking this milestone as part of the association’s 42 years of fostering innovation worldwide.
Mr. Majorana commented: “The discussions held during this Board meeting highlighted the importance of working as a coordinated global network. IASP’s strength lies in its ability to connect experience, knowledge and practice, and this meeting helped set a clear direction for how we continue to support our members in the year ahead.”
In-depth research and industry knowledge
IASP’s work continues to be guided by a strong understanding of the innovation landscape, and the emerging challenges and opportunities faced by innovation ecosystems worldwide. This year’s board meeting marked an important strategic moment for the association, with discussions focused on how digitalisation and emerging trends are reshaping the way science parks, innovation districts and areas of innovation operate. The board explored how IASP can anticipate these shifts, identify meaningful signals from across the network, and help members navigate a rapidly changing technological environment with greater confidence.
As a global association, IASP remains committed to ensuring that this forward-looking approach reflects the diversity of its membership. By bringing together different innovation-supporting models, regions and local contexts, the association aims to turn shared insight into collective strength. Building on this strategic alignment, IASP will continue to act as an interconnected platform for peer exchange and support members while fostering innovation and contributing to sustainable economic development in their cities and regions.
In the words of IASP CEO Ebba Lund, “Having the Board together in person creates a space for deeper discussions and alignment, which is essential as we move into another busy year for the association. These conversations help ensure that our work remains closely connected to our members’ needs and sets the pace for the year ahead.”
Human-centred innovation at IASP’s 43rd World Conference in Sophia Antipolis
IASP World Conferences are held in a different country every year, underlining the association’s global reach and the value of face-to-face exchange. These gatherings bring together leaders and partners from AOI/ID/STP’s to debate priorities, share best practices and shape collective responses to the industry’s most urgent challenges.
Last year the 42nd IASP World Conference was held in Beijing from 16–19 September 2025, hosted by Zhongguancun (Z-Park) and centred on the theme “Elevating Excellence: Innovation Spaces Driving High-Quality Development.” The event attracted delegates from around the world, featured technical tours, training sessions and a broad programme of sessions and case studies that explored how organised innovation spaces can deliver sustainable, high-quality development.
This year IASP will celebrate its 43rd World Conference in the French Riviera, on 27th–30th October 2026, with Sophia Antipolis Technology Park as the local host and the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès serving as the main venue. Under the theme “Tech for Humanity: Shaping values for a human-centric future,” the programme will focus on how innovation ecosystems can align technological progress with social values, inclusivity and sustainability through plenary and parallel sessions, technical visits and engaging discussions.
Around the world with IASP regional events in six regional divisions
While IASP’s World Conference provides a global stage for knowledge exchange, regional events focus on the issues most relevant to members in specific parts of the world. These gatherings allow participants to share experiences, exchange best practices, and strengthen regional innovation ecosystems.
Across all Regional Divisions, a range of initiatives and meeting opportunities will enrich our global calendar, offering members worldwide meaningful occasions to explore local and regional innovation practices and deepen collaboration within their respective continents’ innovation networks.
Great expectations for 2027 and 2028
IASP’s 2027 World Conference will take place in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, hosted by Dhahran Techno Valley. Looking further ahead, the Board has completed a thorough review of the bids to host the 2028 World Conference, and the shortlisted candidates to be presented to the General Assembly will be announced soon. IASP members will make the final decision on the host city through a vote during the 2026 World Conference in Sophia Antipolis, France this October.