From Beijing to Rome: IASP connections spark new partnerships between ROAD and Chinese innovation districts

One of the strengths of the IASP network is its ability to bring together innovation leaders from across the world and create opportunities that extend beyond a single event. A recent example is the growing collaboration between IASP member ROAD (Rome Advanced District) and several leading innovation organisations in China, stemming from connections established at the latest IASP World Conference in Beijing last September. 

IASP World Conferences provide a unique platform for dialogue between innovation districts, science parks, and other innovation spaces from around the globe. Among the many meetings held during the 2025 event, representatives from ROAD connected with leaders from Beijing's innovation ecosystem, opening the door to partnerships that continue to develop today. 

A key milestone was a meeting with HICOOL, one of China's leading startup support platforms. During the conference, participants learned about the remarkable scale of HICOOL's activities, including support for more than 10,000 startup projects and the successful incubation of 16 unicorn companies. What started as an exchange of experiences and best practices has since evolved into concrete plans for collaboration with ROAD, including the prospect of hosting HICOOL initiatives in Rome and creating new opportunities for technology scouting, knowledge exchange and talent development between the two ecosystems. 

Building on these initial connections, ROAD recently welcomed a delegation from Beijing, including Party Secretary Gong Zongyuang and representatives from the Shunyi District. The visit further strengthened the dialogue between the organisations, and explored avenues for long-term cooperation between the Italian and Chinese innovation communities. 

The collaboration has also expanded beyond Beijing, as ROAD has established a partnership with the Baixia High-Tech Zone in Nanjing, a region recognised for its pioneer work in autonomous driving and robotics. The introduction was facilitated by Hao Tang, President of the IASP Asia Pacific Division, highlighting the important role that IASP's regional and global leadership plays in fostering meaningful international partnerships. 

More than just an association of peers, IASP acts as a facilitator of trusted relationships that help members build international partnerships, access new markets, and create opportunities for their innovation communities.