The 40th IASP World Conference in Luxembourg focuses on the impact of megatrends on innovation. Ebba Lund, CEO of IASP, highlights the conference’s objective of exploring industry adaptability and specific megatrends, while Diego De Biasio, CEO of Technoport, mentions key megatrends. Luxembourg’s role as the host showcases its commitment to innovation and provides a platform for global STP/AOI managers to connect and shape sustainable innovation ecosystems.
How does the 40th IASP World Conference on Science and Technology Parks (STPs) and Areas of Innovation (AOIs) aim to address the impacts of megatrends on STPs and AOIs?
Ebba Lund, CEO of IASP — By sharing perspectives from around the world and across different technology sectors, we hope to establish a snapshot of the impact of megatrends at a global level.
Our speakers include both practitioners from science parks, areas of innovation and other innovation spaces, with insights about their daily work of supporting startups and sustainable development in their communities, as well as a keynote speaker from the Copenhagen Institute of Futures Studies, who is one of the leading experts on the whole concept of megatrends.
During the IASP World Conference we’ll explore the adaptability of our industry as a way to stay future-proof, and take an in-depth look at some of the megatrends that have the greatest impact. And in addition to the scientific programme, the conference is also a forum for STP/AOI managers to connect and learn from the experiences of their peers around the world on a more individual level, through those spontaneous conversations that arise when people get together.
“Luxembourg is an attractive, historic destination too, dynamic and multicultural, and recognised as a strong innovator in the European context.”
Ebba Lund, CEO of IASP
What are some specific examples of global megatrends that will be discussed during the conference and their potential implications for innovation ecosystems?
Diego De Biasio, CEO of Technoport — The number of Megatrends is limited as such (+/-13), but each of them has key sub-trends which are very interesting to take into account in defining a strategy.
As a small country we are heavily impacted by some of them and I must say that several are nicely covered by different sessions during the conference program. We have those related to energy transition, health and aging population, talent accessibility, sustainability and growth, digitalisation and Data economy as well as connectedness and internationalisation.
All these sub-trends have major impacts in changing our society and economy and it is super interesting to learn how different cities, areas and countries on different continents are dealing with it too. Mixing those with scenarios of possible futures becomes even more interesting.
Why was Luxembourg chosen as the host for the 40th IASP World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation?
Ebba Lund, CEO of IASP — A lot of factors made it the right choice: the national commitment to innovation, the growing interest in knowledge hubs and the multitude of sectors, which will enrich the megatrends debate. Luxembourg is an attractive, historic destination too, dynamic and multicultural, and recognised as a strong innovator in the European context.
As a small country and economy, we know it has always been open and innovative to develop a competitive advantage, first through the industrial steel manufacturing revolution of the early 20th century, and now in new verticals like life sciences, health, automotive/mobility and space.
We also chose it thanks to local host Technoport: they play a key role as national anchor, connecting international delegates to the Luxembourg innovation ecosystem. They are creating opportunities for STP/AOI managers from around the world to discover entrepreneurial hotspots and meet successful local companies, showcasing what’s unique about this small and vibrant country.
Editor’s note: register now for the “40th IASP World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation” in September 2023
