Our May "Question of the Month" results confirm the importance of international positioning

In today's interconnected world, areas of innovation, innovation districts, and science and technology parks cannot thrive in isolation. This aspect of positioning is something that is ingrained into the brand of IASP members - but how high does this aspect rank in terms of overall importance? In our latest "Question of the Month", we asked members to share how important the international aspect of their positioning is for their AOI/ID/STP.

IASP member polling results reveal just how critical these global connections have become, with 50% of organisations polled rating international engagement as "extremely important" and another 46.2% considering it "very important." This overwhelming consensus reflects a clear tendency towards internationalisation for innovation ecosystems, both in terms of their operations and their success. For half of IASP members, international connections represent a strategic priority that goes beyond occasional participation. These organisations actively seek frequent global engagement, viewing international resources and partnerships as essential to their mission. 

An additional 46.2% who rate international connections as "very important" demonstrate a similar commitment to global engagement. These organizations actively participate in knowledge sharing with international peers, recognising that fresh ideas and different approaches can transform their local innovation landscapes. They attend global events not just for networking, but to access cutting-edge insights that directly impact their strategic direction.

These results tell a compelling story about modern innovation management. When over 96% of members consider international connections either extremely or very important, it signals that successful innovation ecosystems must think globally while acting locally. The exchange of best practices, access to international talent pools, and exposure to diverse market approaches have become fundamental requirements rather than optional extras. In an era where innovation knows no borders, international connections have evolved from networking opportunities into strategic necessities that determine long-term success and relevance in the global innovation ecosystem.

To contribute to invaluable data such as this, please be sure to take a moment to participate in our next Question of the Month poll, which will be coming out shortly (open to all IASP members). Thank you to everyone who is actively creating new knowledge for our network by sharing your insights and please look forward to more to come!