IASP represented at industry gatherings in the UK and Brazil

This month, IASP was represented at two leading innovation events by peer associations UKSPA and Anprotec in the United Kingdom and Brazil, highlighting the value of knowledge sharing and the important role members and colleagues play in fostering international collaboration. 

In the United Kingdom, IASP CEO Ebba Lund participated in the UK Science Park Association (UKSPA) Summer Conference 2026, hosted by IASP member Norwich Research Park (NRP). Welcomed by NRP CEO, Roz Bird and UKSPA CEO, Ruth Hall, innovation professionals from across the UK gathered to discuss the evolving role of science parks and other innovation spaces in driving innovation, economic growth and societal impact.  

The event also showcased the strength of Norwich Research Park’s collaborative innovation ecosystem, highlighting how research organisations, businesses and entrepreneurs work together to transform scientific discoveries into commercial and societal impact. Delegates heard from scientists, entrepreneurs and business leaders who demonstrated how innovation-led partnerships are addressing global challenges through collaboration. 

Meanwhile, in Brazil, IASP was well represented at the 36th Anprotec Conference on Entrepreneurship and Innovation Environments in Manaus. Anprotec is the Brazilian association supporting science and technology parks, business incubators and other innovation organisations across the country.  

Representing the association was IASP Latin American Division President Janelle Castrellon (Ciudad del Saber, Panama), who joined her predecessor, Adriana Ferreira de Faria, President of Anprotec and Executive Director of tecnoPARQ (Technology Park of Viçosa), and who passed the baton to Janelle at the recent IASP Latin American event in Medellin, Colombia. 

Together with numerous IASP members from Brazil and across the wider Latin American region, IASP colleagues from Europe and North America participated as well, including Karine Guilbault, General Manager of Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole (Canada) and Sonia Palomo, Director of Technology Transfer and International Relations at Málaga TechPark (Spain).  

The conference explored how science and technology parks, incubators, universities, businesses and public institutions can work together to foster entrepreneurship, strengthen innovation ecosystems and support sustainable regional development. The programme concluded with technical visits to organisations across Manaus, providing first-hand insight into the region's innovation ecosystem and its work in bioeconomy, digital transformation, applied research and sustainable development. 

IASP’s participation in both events reflects the value of international engagement and collaboration with peer communities. Exchanges like these create opportunities to share good practices, strengthen partnerships and support the continued development of resilient, knowledge-based innovation ecosystems worldwide. 

IASP extends its thanks to the organisers of both events, including the UK Science Park Association, Norwich Research Park and Anprotec, for creating valuable opportunities for dialogue, collaboration and international knowledge exchange.