IASP World Conference 2025 concludes in Beijing with global vision for innovation

The 42nd IASP World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation took place in Beijing from 15–19 September, bringing together delegates from around the world to exchange knowledge, share case studies, and explore the future of innovation ecosystems.

Ahead of this year’s event, delegates were treated to a series of dynamic technical tours across the city’s renowned innovation districts, offering a first-hand look into how Beijing is cultivating the future of science and technology.

These tech tours were followed on Tuesday by a pre-conference Training Seminar. IASP CEO Ebba Lund introduced the programme with an overview of models of organised innovation spaces Tom Bentley from Melbourne Innovation Districts offered insights into the integration of innovation districts within urban environments. Further contributions came from Lamiae Benmakhlouf of Technopark Morocco, who stressed the importance of collaborative ecosystems to support startups, and Justyna Adamska from Poznan Science and Technology Park, who highlighted the shift from providing facilities to delivering high-value services. Later, Agnes von Matuschka of Potsdam Science Park addressed the role of communication strategies, while Romildo Dias from Parque UFRJ and Scott Levitan from Research Triangle Park focused on university collaboration and governance structures.

Tuesday concluded with the NEW2IASP reception and the official Welcome Ceremony, where attendees were greeted by representatives of Beijing’s science and technology institutions, IASP CEO Ebba Lund, and IASP President Lena Miranda.

The Opening Ceremony on Wednesday formally inaugurated the conference. Addresses were given by Jin Wei, Vice Mayor of Beijing, Lyu Xianzhi, Director of the Torch Center, and Lena Miranda, President of IASP. Ebba Lund presented highlights of the association’s work, including the launch of a white paper and recognition of Herbert Chen’s contributions. Plenary sessions that day explored the transformation of urban areas through innovation, with speakers from Australia, China, Colombia, and Brazil. Discussions highlighted the importance of trust, collaboration, and people-centred development in shaping future cities.

Parallel breakout sessions were later hosted at Changping Science Park, covering themes such as finance, infrastructure, open international ecosystems, and urban development. The day closed with an informal dinner at the Great Wall of China, providing delegates with a unique networking experience.

Thursday opened with the Asia Pacific Division meeting, where Hao Tang was introduced as the new Division President. A series of breakout sessions followed, focusing on topics such as cross-border collaboration, smart city strategies, and the economic role of innovation hubs. The plenary session that day examined industrial development, with Cristina Andrés Urarte from Euskadiko Parke Teknologikoa presenting Bilbao’s transformation into a “Knowledge Island”, and Josephine Ndambuki introducing Africa’s Konza Technopolis smart city project.

At the General Assembly, members voted for Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, to host the 2027 IASP World Conference, with Dhahran Techno Valley assuming the role. That evening, delegates gathered for the Gala Dinner.

On the final day, speakers examined the orchestration of innovation districts, new global trends, and the impact of artificial intelligence on communities. The last plenary session looked ahead to the coming two decades, with contributions from China, Morocco, Spain, and Thailand focusing on talent, sustainability, and regional impact. The conference concluded with closing remarks by IASP CEO Ebba Lund and President Lena Miranda, the signing of new international agreements, and the ceremonial handover of the IASP flag to Sophia Antipolis, host of the 43rd World Conference. The presidential medallion was formally passed to Salvatore Majorana, who succeeded Lena Miranda as IASP President.

The 42nd IASP World Conference in Beijing highlighted the importance of collaboration across borders, sectors, and disciplines, reinforcing the role of science parks and areas of innovation as drivers of sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking development.