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The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation coordinates 350 science and technology parks in 81 countries and a network of over 115,000 companies from its headquarters in Málaga
The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP), whose world headquarters have been located at Málaga TechPark since 1996, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in the city this year. To mark the occasion, a meeting was held on Tuesday, 10 February, with Málaga Mayor Francisco de la Torre, during which participants reviewed the organisation’s trajectory and highlighted Málaga’s role as host city of the world’s largest international network of science parks and areas of innovation, consolidating its position as a centre of technological excellence and business development.
Over its three decades in Málaga, IASP has experienced significant growth, expanding from 100 members in 1996 to its current 350, with a presence in 81 countries and a network of more than 115,000 technology companies, compared with 55,000 at the time of its arrival in the city. From Málaga, and under the current leadership of CEO Ebba Lund, the association organises conferences, seminars, training programmes, as well as analysis and consultancy projects, increasing its membership while broadening the scope and quality of its initiatives. This international expansion has reinforced Málaga’s prestige as a technopolis and consolidated its position as a destination for professionals, investors, and institutions from around the world.
Málaga’s Strategic Importance
The history of IASP’s Málaga-based headquarters dates back to the association’s World Conference held in Beijing in 1995, when the organisation, founded in 1984, sought to officially establish its central headquarters. Málaga competed with cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Sydney, Barcelona, and Madeira. The vitality of what was then the Technology Park of Andalusia, together with the strong support of the City Council and the Regional Government of Andalusia, enabled Málaga to win. Since 1996, the central headquarters coordinate all of IASP’s global activities from the city.
This year’s annual meeting of the IASP International Board of Directors, which brings together leaders from some of the world’s most important innovation spaces, included representatives from 12 countries, including Germany, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Spain, India, Italy, Luxembourg, and Morocco. During the meeting, the international delegation, led by IASP President Salvatore Majorana and members of the Board of Directors, highlighted Málaga’s role as a city of innovation and reaffirmed their commitment to future collaboration. The Mayor of Málaga stressed the strategic importance of the association for the local economy and renewed the city’s institutional support for its projects.