IASP President Salvatore Majorana represents our global community in two international events

This month, IASP International President Salvatore Majorana represented our association in two major international events in Budapest and Beijing, contributing to global discussions on Artificial Intelligence, innovation ecosystems, and the development of science and technology parks. 

The IEEE Central European AI Summit took place from 19-21 March 2026 in Budapest (Hungary), bringing together leaders from industry, research, and government to explore breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence and its governance. Over three days, participants reflected on key topics such as regulation and compliance, the role of technical standards, and their broader impact on the AI ecosystem. The summit also addressed how Central Europe can position itself in the global race for AI leadership, highlighting the importance of strengthening regional capabilities. 

Within this context, the role of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation emerged as a key asset for growing, protecting and scaling European technological capacity. During his panel, Salvatore addressed the role of Science and Technology Parks in technology driven regional development, sharing insights from the IASP network, emphasising the pivotal role of AOIs/IDs/STPs as critical infrastructure across Europe and the globe, capable of attracting, growing and retaining talent, ideas and investments. The pressure is racing on European systems to catch up with leaders, and our innovation spaces can be one very efficient part of EU response. These themes will continue to be explored at the upcoming IASP World Conference in Sophia Antipolis this October. 

The second engagement was at the ZGC Forum, held from 25-29 March 2026 in Beijing, at IASP member Z-Park's installations. As a platform for high-tech innovation exchange and cooperation, the forum gathers over 1,000 participants from more than 100 countries and regions, including top scientists, policymakers and industry leaders. 

Salvatore delivered the opening remarks for the “World’s leading science and technology park development” track, contributing to high level discussions on the evolution of innovation ecosystems. The forum highlighted cutting edge scientific and technological trends, fostering dialogue on future industry developments, innovation, governance, and international collaboration. 

Initiated in 2007, the ZGC Forum continues to promote the exchange of global ideas and the exploration of emerging technologies, while encouraging cooperation to ensure that scientific and technological advancements contribute to societal progress worldwide.