A promising future for innovation spaces worldwide
Essay by Ebba Lund, Chief Executive Officer of IASP
The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) is a mission-driven non-profit dedicated to supporting our global community of Science and Technology Parks (STPs), Innovation Districts (IDs), Areas of Innovation (AOIs), and other organised innovation spaces throughout the world. With over 40 years in this industry, we’ve learned that innovation becomes exponential when knowledge is shared within a purpose-built community. Our global network allows us to draw upon extensive experience and a large knowledge base.
At IASP, we believe the future is bright for technology parks, innovation districts and areas of innovation. These spaces, since their inception, have been a driving force of technological advancements. Their success isn’t automatic, though—it takes effort and intention to build truly impactful hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship. The profound understanding technology parks and other innovation spaces have of their network gives them a high degree of adaptability and preparation.
IASP survey data shows that that AI is one of the main sectors in our industry currently (along with biotechnology, health, ICT, and software engineering). Though sustainability has been an ongoing priority, the growth of AI and its enormous potential brings with it environmental challenges that must be addressed. Many innovation spaces in our network are embracing this shift by hosting an increasing number of clean tech companies, reinforcing their role in building a greener future while being mindful of the impact emerging technologies like AI can have.
Technology parks and innovation spaces looking to enhance their impact often connect with similar spaces around the world to exchange learnings and create partnerships. IASP data reflects ever increasing levels of international cooperation in the industry, with 70.7% of respondents reporting they had a formal MOU in place in addition to the plethora of informal collaboration efforts taking place regularly throughout the network.
Looking ahead, innovation spaces are set to remain resilient, with more projects under development globally. As digitalisation grows, there's an increasing emphasis on keeping communities connected, especially with the rise of remote work. Human connection remains crucial, highlighting the need to design innovation spaces that foster interaction, engagement and a sense of belonging. This is where our global community shines and they can lead the way in helping us in a return to social connection and knowledge-sharing through dedicated places for innovators to thrive.
The various models adopted by our members provide insight into how technology and innovation spaces are truly at the heart of societal transformation, including on how we work. Innovation spaces are called to rise to the challenge of adapting to changes in our approach to work and offer their communities new services and tools as the need for them arises. This includes enhancing digitalisation to enable remote/hybrid work and creating co-working spaces to cater to these work models.
Berlin Adlershof is a great example of an emblematic member of our network, exemplifying many of the best aspects of spaces like it. By creating a nexus of knowledge, business, and innovation, Adlershof cements itself as a vital part of the community. We celebrate the ongoing success of members likes Adlershof within our global community, inspiring peers and growing innovation ecosystems worldwide.
Ebba Lund is the Chief Executive Officer of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP), a non-profit knowledge-based organization focused on driving growth, internationalisation, and effectiveness for more than 325 members in over 75 countries. As CEO of IASP, she is responsible for driving the IASP's mission of providing a global network for science & technology parks, innovation districts, and other innovation spaces around the world.
IASP website: https://www.iasp.ws/