January 2026 Question of the Month: Seeking balance between virtual and in-person services

With technology advancing at an ever-faster pace, innovation ecosystems must continuously adapt to the evolving needs of their stakeholders. In our latest Question of the Month, we asked IASP members whether they offer virtual services within their Areas Of Innovation (AOIs), Innovation Districts (IDs) or Science and Technology  Parks (STPs). 

The results were largely in line with what we expected. A strong majority of respondents confirmed that virtual services are now a core part of their value proposition. In fact, 88.9% of members indicated that they offer virtual services to both resident and non-resident companies. This highlights how digital tools are helping innovation ecosystems extend their reach, remove geographical barriers, and support a more flexible and inclusive approach to innovation support. 

At the same time, 11.1% of respondents shared that they do not offer virtual services, prioritising in-person interactions instead. This perspective underscores the continued importance of physical proximity, face-to-face collaboration, and the spontaneous exchanges that often occur within innovation ecosystems. For many ecosystems, these elements remain essential to building trust, fostering community, and driving meaningful collaboration. 

Taken together, the results reflect a broader reality across the IASP community. Both virtual and in-person services play a critical role in supporting their companies. While digital services enable scalability, accessibility, and resilience, physical spaces and personal interactions continue to be powerful drivers of connection and creativity. 

As innovation ecosystems continue to evolve, the challenge may lie in finding the right balance between these two approaches. Blending virtual services with strong on-site experiences can help ensure that members meet diverse stakeholder needs while remaining adaptable in an increasingly hybrid world.