Sharing experiences at Upstream London Economic Forum on innovation-led growth

IASP was represented at the Upstream London Economic Forum on 13 October at White City, London, by Coordinator of the IASP Innovation Districts Alliance, Josep Piqué and member of the IASP Advisory Council, Carina Rapetti. The event brought together policymakers, innovation district representatives, investors, academics, and business leaders to explore how place-based innovation can drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth. 

Josep Piqué and Carina Rapetti presented “The Global Rise of Innovation Districts,” sharing the global map of innovation districts within the IASP network and drawing on international experience in governance to explore how districts can turn their assets into collaboration and shared value. What will set the next generation of innovation districts apart is not simply what they have, but what they can achieve together. The discussion highlighted the importance of creating spaces where universities, businesses, public institutions and communities can connect their ideas, align their priorities and take collective action.  

The presentation drew on perspectives from several IASP member innovation districts represented at the forum, including host White City Innovation District, Buenos Aires Innovation Park, MIND - Milano Innovation District, 22@Barcelona, Kunnskapsbyen Lillestrøm, and Melbourne Innovation District (RMIT University)  

The forum’s broader programme featured keynote addresses, panel discussions and interactive sessions examining the role of government, anchor institutions, investment and international partnerships in developing successful innovation districts. A key moment of the event was the launch of the Blueprint for Place-based, Innovation-led Growth, developed through collaboration with innovation district practitioners from across the UK and internationally, and building on discussions held during the Upstream London Summit in March 2026 where IASP also took part. 

The event highlighted the value of international knowledge exchange and collaboration in strengthening innovation ecosystems and supporting inclusive, innovation-led regional growth.