The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) is the global network for science parks, innovation districts and other areas of innovation. The IASP Board is made up of 15 members from 13 different countries: China, Denmark, Ecuador, India, Iran, Italy, Kenya, Panama, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the UK and the USA. Experts in science parks (STPs) and areas of innovation (AOIs), brought their years of executive management experience to the table in the two-day board meeting to discuss the association’s future strategy and to outline the path for IASP to follow in the year to come.
Carol Stewart, the vice president of Tech Parks Arizona, University of Arizona volunteers as the North American Division President for IASP. She shared her expertise as part of the global mindset during the association’s annual strategy meeting, chaired by International President Herbert Chen (TusPark, China), on February 9-10, 2023.
In-depth research and industry knowledge
The foundation of IASP’s work is knowledge about the STP/AOI industry, and this year the association will focus on thematic surveys and in-depth analysis of some key findings from the 2022 Global Survey. Two newly-formed subnetworks, which focus on space and sustainability, offer IASP members a forum to share their best practices and expertise, as well as identify opportunities for collaboration, with a new alliance of innovation districts set to explore the unique qualities of this model of organisation.
Megatrends on the agenda at IASP’s 40th World Conference in Luxembourg
IASP World Conferences take place in a different country every year, becoming a tool to link innovation leaders around the world and keep the association truly global. Following the success of last year’s meeting in Seville, Spain, 2023 will bring members, partners and wider stakeholders in the STP/AOI industry to Luxembourg from 12-15 September, for an event hosted by Technoport. With a keynote speaker from the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies, IASP Luxembourg will focus on adaptability and key strategic sectors for the future with the theme “Megatrends in innovation ecosystems: what are the impacts for STPs and AOIs?”
Around the world with IASP regional events in Mexico, Iceland and South Korea
While IASP’s global event is a unique opportunity to meet and learn from best practices worldwide, regional workshops allow us to focus on the key issues that are most relevant in different parts of the world. In 2023, IASP will hold regional division events in Mexico, Iceland and South Korea.
First up is the IASP Latin America and North America division joint event in Monterrey, Mexico, from April 19-21, hosted and organised by PIIT Monterrey. Under the theme “Getting to the next level: STPs & AOIs as economic drivers in their communities“, it will explore the strategies that different ecosystems deploy to boost their communities.
It will be followed by a European Division workshop in Reykjavik, Iceland, on 3-5 May, hosted by the University of Iceland Science Park. The programme will offer a 360° journey around Icelandic innovation, including presentations from fast-growing startups and technical visits to geothermal power plants and companies that develop side products from energy production.
And lastly, an IASP Asia Pacific Division event in Daedeok, South Korea on 1-3 November will coincide with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the organiser, the Korea Innovation Foundation INNOPOLIS. Science and technology R&D in Daedeok is credited as the key driving force for South Korea’s remarkable economic development, and the event will be a valuable opportunity to learn more about the INNOPOLIS innovation model.
Looking ahead to 2024 and 2025
IASP’s 2024 World Conference will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, hosted by Konza Technopolis. It will be the first IASP World Conference to take place in Kenya, and the second in Africa since IASP Johannesburg was held in South Africa in 2008.
The Board also had a preview of the cities bidding to host IASP’s 2025 World Conference, with announcements coming up later this year. It is IASP members who will make the final decision about where to meet, in a vote that takes place at our upcoming event IASP Luxembourg.
IASP coordinates an active network of managers of areas of innovation, science parks, research parks, innovation districts, knowledge cities and the like. We enhance new business opportunities for members and their companies, increase their visibility and multiply their global connections. We also represent parks and areas of innovation at international forums and institutions, and assist the development of new STPs and AOIs.
A worldwide membership-based organization, IASP is an independent non-profit NGO managed by experts in science and technology parks and areas of innovation. For further information about IASP, please visit www.iasp.ws.
International Board of Directors
With global cooperation more important than ever, IASP’s internal procedures help to maintain the association’s international identity, always ensuring that different parts of the world are represented on the International Board of Directors. This is also reflected through the IASP regional divisions, who also form part of the governing body. You can see an overview of the IASP International Board of Directors at https://www.iasp.ws/about-us/board-of-directors.
