Advancing collaborative innovation: IASP European Division convenes in Glasgow

The 2025 IASP European Division event, held in Glasgow from 24-26 April, served as a platform for leaders and experts from science parks and innovation districts across Europe to foster collaborative innovation. The gathering not only underscored the city's commitment to innovation but also highlighted the rich discourse among professionals committed to shaping the future of innovation ecosystems.

Setting benchmarks and enhancing European collaboration

Organised by Glasgow City Innovation District (GCID) and held at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC), the event opened with remarks by IASP CEO Ebba Lund and European Division President Jernej Pintar; University of Strathclyde CCO Gillian Docherty; and GCID Project Director Alisdair Gunn.

The conference served as an occasion to bring together members of two groups: the IASP Innovation Districts Alliance, which gathered insights for the ongoing development of the IASP Strategigram to serve innovation districts, and the IASP European Projects Working Group (EPWG), which focused on stimulating collaboration among members on EU project calls. 

Keynote speaker Deborah Dunnett from UK national broadcaster Channel 4 discussed the channel’s strategic relocation to the GCID, highlighting how being based in an innovation district aligned with its plans to diversify its programming. The technical tours, meanwhile, took visitors around labs in the TIC concerned with pharmaceutical production, robotic solutions for high-risk environments, advancements in quantum and photonics and national power grid optimisation - giving a flavour of the diverse research being conducted in the innovation district.

Navigating the complexities of innovation ecosystems

Discussion panels tackled the core theme of the conference, including debates on the principles of developing ecosystems in innovation districts vs science parks, with James Chaffer (UKSPA) and Emma Frost (UKIDG) sharing their expertise. Focused sessions delved deeper, examining the challenges and opportunities of developing science park and innovation district ecosystems, respectively. The former included insights from Jonathan Hunt (McMaster Innovation Park), Vincent Mauroit (NOI Techpark) and Ian Underdown (University of Nottingham Innovation Park), while the latter brought together Anna Mård, Dan Johnson, and Alisdair Gunn to discuss the activities undertaken by Skellefteå Science City, Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District, and GCID.

IASP International President and Linköping Science Park CEO Lena Miranda led an enlightening debate on how to create diverse, equal and inclusive innovation ecosystems with a panel of local experts - followed by discussions on diverse approaches to creating attractive innovation spaces by Carol Stewart (Tech Parks Arizona) and Gavin Poole (Here East). The presentation of a local Glasgow co-working hub that provides broader social and community benefits to its members than just workspaces, and a story from a GCID resident on why their experience as an innovation district tenant has been so positive, provoked much reflection.

Innovative approaches for future challenges

A number of interactive workshops aimed to identify challenges within ecosystems and explore solutions to drive innovation. The discussions focused on five key areas: sustainability, property development, investment, skills & talent, and diversity & equality. Josep Piqué led on the conversation on fostering investment in innovation hubs to support growth, while David Pitschmann and Alisdair Gunn moderated discussions on the role of innovation places in achieving SDG goals and net zero ambitions.

In the diversity and inclusion workshop, moderated by Mieke de Bruin, participants explored strategies for building diverse and equitable innovation environments. The property development and design debate, with Paul Jansen, discussed how innovative building designs can enhance collaborative opportunities, while on skills and talent with Stephen Cowan, the groups focused on challenges and success stories in developing talent within participants’ regions.

Next stop: Bolzano for IASP Europe 2025

As the conference came to a close, IASP CEO Ebba Lund thanked all those present for their insightful contributions on developing collaborative and innovative ecosystems, before Vincent Mauroit from the host of the IASP 2025 European event, NOI Tech Park, took to the stage to describe what attendees can expect at next year’s conference in Bolzano, Italy. 

Wrapping up, IASP European President Jernej Pintar reflected on the valuable knowledge shared at the conference and the benefits of being a member of a global network. He issued a call to other science and technology parks and areas of innovation to join IASP to enhance the collective network’s diversity of thought and collaboration.

Special thanks to the Glasgow City Innovation District team for their exceptional hosting. The event was not only a showcase of Glasgow's commitment to innovation but also a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines the IASP community.