- The Málaga technopark competes with Silicon Valley and Haier as a reference model for the upcoming ISO 56012 and strengthens its position as a key player in the global knowledge economy
Málaga TechPark has inaugurated today one of the most significant global innovation events of the year: the first in-person meeting of the international expert group working on the future ISO 56012 standard on innovation ecosystem management within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Organized by the Spanish Association for Standardization, UNE, and Málaga TechPark, the meeting positions the Málaga technopark as one of only three global case studies selected to help define this new standard, alongside Silicon Valley (USA) and the Haier ecosystem (China).
The event, held at the Green Lemon space in Málaga TechPark, was officially opened by Carolina España, Minister of Economy, Finance and European Funds of the Regional Government of Andalusia and President of Málaga TechPark, who emphasized the importance of this international meeting.
“The fact that this meeting is taking place in Málaga is no coincidence; it is proof that we are on the global innovation map. Málaga TechPark not only applies international standards, it also helps shape them, positioning Andalusia as a key player in the knowledge economy,” she stated.
The minister also highlighted the high-level nature of the meeting, which brings together representatives from institutions such as the European Commission, Google, Oracle, the World Bank, cutting-edge startups, investors, universities, and technology centers.
Mónica Sanzo, Director of Cooperation and International Relations at UNE, also took part in the opening ceremony, noting that “fostering innovation is one of UNE’s strategic pillars; technical standards serve as a key driver for advancing the most innovative technological developments and knowledge transfer.”
Over the coming days, the experts will explore Málaga’s local ecosystem, visiting the Picasso Supercomputer, the National Hub for Digital Content, and the innovation centers of major technology companies based in the park.
Tuesday’s session also included a presentation on the current status of the ISO 56012 draft, along with other international initiatives for standardizing innovation management. Felipe Romera, General Director of Málaga TechPark, emphasized the strategic value of international standards.
“Global standards are essential for strengthening the competitiveness of innovation ecosystems. Being part of their definition allows us to align what we do with international best practices and influence how the future of innovation is shaped,” said Romera.
Belén Suárez, Chair of UNE’s R&D+i Activities Committee, also participated in the event’s launch and underscored the critical role the new ISO 56012 will play in structuring, scaling, and connecting innovation ecosystems.
A Model Under Global Evaluation
From July 8 to 10, ISO experts will continue with technical sessions, institutional visits, and on-the-ground analysis. The goal is to assess the three selected models to determine, within about a year, which one will serve as the foundation for the future ISO 56012 standard.
The meeting includes participation from top-tier international representatives from organizations such as the European Commission, the World Bank, Google, Oracle, Haier, as well as innovative startups, investors, universities, and technology centers from around the world. All participants are part of ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 279, responsible for developing international standards on innovation management.
Throughout the week, this multidisciplinary group will not only attend technical sessions and panel discussions, but will also get a firsthand look at Málaga’s innovation ecosystem, through visits to key infrastructure such as the University of Málaga’s Picasso Supercomputer, the National Hub for Digital Content, and the innovation centers of tech companies based in the park. The objective: to evaluate how Málaga TechPark builds a real collaborative network between academia, businesses, and institutions to generate globally impactful innovation.
Entre los participantes destacados en las mesas redondas celebradas en Málaga TechPark se encuentran Joachim Schwerin, economista principal de la Comisión Europea; Jezabel Yara Aceta, CEO de Bioherent; Annika Steiber, líder del proyecto ISO 56012 y profesora en la Universidad de California; Miguel del Cañizo, socio fundador de Bullnet Capital; Pierre Marro, de la DG Connect de la Comisión Europea; y Xavier Valero, director de Inteligencia Artificial en DEKRA Digital Product Solutions. Estos expertos abordaron temas clave como la gestión de personas en innovación, el papel de las PYMEs, la financiación de la innovación, los ecosistemas tecnológicos y los retos de las tecnologías emergentes.
Among the notable panelists at Málaga TechPark were:
- Joachim Schwerin, Principal Economist at the European Commission
- Jezabel Yara Aceta, CEO of Bioherent
- Annika Steiber, leader of the ISO 56012 project and professor at the University of California
- Miguel del Cañizo, Founding Partner at Bullnet Capital
- Pierre Marro, of DG Connect at the European Commission
- Xavier Valero, Director of Artificial Intelligence at DEKRA Digital Product Solutions
These experts tackled key topics such as talent management in innovation, the role of SMEs, innovation financing, technological ecosystems, and the challenges of emerging technologies.