IASP Sustainability

The IASP Sustainability Subnetwork stands at the forefront of global innovation ecosystems, uniting science parks and areas of innovation to lead the transition toward a sustainable future. Its vision is to foster worldwide collaboration that advances sustainable practices, drives cutting-edge innovation, and delivers measurable progress against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a clear and focused mission, the Subnetwork equips its members with essential knowledge, practical resources, and strategic connections to implement high-impact solutions, exchange proven best practices, and catalyze transformative changes within their ecosystems.

Strategic direction is provided by three interconnected pillars. Knowledge sharing and capacity building accelerate the circulation of sustainability best practices, success stories, and innovative models, supported by targeted workshops and webinars that strengthen members’ ability to address complex challenges with effective solutions. Collaboration and networking extend reach through cross-border initiatives and reinforced partnerships with international organizations and stakeholders fully aligned with SDG priorities. Recognition and advocacy elevate excellence by showcasing outstanding achievements through case studies, reports, and potential awards, while positioning sustainability as a fundamental principle across science parks and innovation districts worldwide.

Throughout the year, the Subnetwork hosts a variety of impactful events, including case study presentations where established efforts are presented alongside success stories of startups that have scaled meaningful impact. Startup Spotlight features emerging ventures with sustainable solutions, showcasing them to a global audience to explore growth opportunities and foster investment, mentorship, and market access. Founders interested in launching a sustainability-focused startup are invited to connect and explore collaboration opportunities with the IASP network.

If you are a changemaker, innovator, or thought leader driving sustainability forward within your community and organization, we welcome you to share your inspiring story, case study or initiative by submitting your interest here. Moreover, we also invite you to nominate startups from your innovation ecosystem to share their stories,  achievements, and sustainability-driven impacts with our global community by submitting your interest here.

For any discussions, ideas, or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to the Community Coordinator, Yaruq Nadeem from the National Science and Technology Park (NSTP), via LinkedIn or email. Together, let’s connect ideas, inspire collaboration, and accelerate sustainable change! 🌱

Putting SDGs into action across our community

The call for climate action was unequivocally reaffirmed at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), where all 197 participating nations recommitted to the Paris Agreement's ambitious goal: limiting the global average temperature increase to "well below 2°C" and striving for a more stringent "1.5°C." This global imperative necessitates a fundamental shift across all sectors, and the IASP Sustainability community has emerged to empower the world's Areas of Innovation (AOIs), Innovation Districts (IDs), and Science and Technology Parks (STPs) to collectively address this challenge. 

For AOIs, IDs, and STPs, the path to a sustainable future involves significant transformations in both real estate and working practices. Park managers and leaders will increasingly need to collaborate closely with resident companies, as all stakeholders within the innovation value chain work towards adopting ambitious clean energy targets. This concerted effort is crucial not only for mitigating climate change but also for contributing to broader environmental sustainability efforts. These encompass vital areas such as responsible water management, sustainable food systems, soil health, waste reduction, and the preservation of overall biodiversity. 

By nurturing a dynamic sustainability community within our network, IASP Sustainability facilitates the crucial exchange of best practices among its members. This collaborative environment ensures that AOIs, IDs, and STPs are at the forefront of implementing innovative solutions, learning from shared experiences, and collectively driving progress towards a more sustainable future for all.