Picture: Shigekata Mizuno, on the left, with IASP CEO Ebba Lund and the other new members of the board.

The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) recently celebrated their 40th annual World Conference in Luxembourg on 12-15 September 2023. Under the theme “Megatrends in Innovation Ecosystems: What are the impacts for STPs & AOIs?”, the conference provided a platform for discussions about the pivotal role that innovation ecosystems can play in consolidating global efforts to combat the most pressing threats the world is facing today. The IASP Luxembourg Conference brought together a unique combination of global innovation managers and agents, gathering more than 80 speakers and over 500 delegates from over 55 different countries, including prominent figures in government, business, and innovation. During the conference, IASP members convened on 14 September for the association's General Assembly, where a new President and new International Board members were officially ratified. Notably, Mr. Shigekata Mizuno from Kyoto Research Park was welcomed to the Board, becoming only the second Japanese member to serve on the board in the association's history. The IASP constitution articulates the importance of diverse geographic representation within the Board to be able to reflect its global scope, and we are glad Mr Mizuno can contribute to strengthening the global nature of our network. Mr. Mizuno took this opportunity to express that he "would like to utilize this opportunity to contribute to the IASP, by supporting the development of innovation ecosystems of each region and the collaboration among the various regional ecosystems", proudly highlighting IASP's global impact.

Source: IASP