MIoIR welcomes delegates from across the world to major conference
The , based at AMBS, welcomed almost 500 delegates from 33 countries last week as it hosted the prestigious Geography of Innovation conference over three days at The University of òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ.
The seventh edition of the conference, which is held every two years, brings together leading scholars from a variety of disciplines ranging from economic geography and regional science, to economics and management science, sociology and network theory, and political and planning sciences.
Global representation
, Director of MIoIR, said:
We were thrilled to host the conference and delighted by such an incredible turnout and global representation. The diversity of attendees and range of topics covered in the parallel sessions is a testament to the ever-growing academic community in the geography of innovation field.
As a University-wide research Institute the mission of MIoIR is to carry out impactful research tackling key challenges like sustainability, health, productivity, and inequality, and we were especially delighted to host the conference at the beginning of The University of òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ’s bicentenary celebrations. Innovation and enterprise for societal impact – whether driving economic growth or addressing pressing challenges in areas like healthcare and sustainability – have always been key priorities of the University.
Innovation and òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ
Fellow conference organiser Dr Mabel Sanchez Barrioluengo added:
Over three days we heard fascinating and in-depth discussions across diverse themes such as the role of universities in regional development, institutions and economic development, innovation in peripheral regions, and the geography of green innovation, all bringing together both young and senior scholars from different fields in almost 100 parallel sessions.
The themes of the conference hold a special significance for òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ. As the world’s first industrial city, òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ was the shock city of urban transformation. Today òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ has successfully reinvented itself as a hub of creative, digital and technology industries, and innovation remains central to the city’s economic vision, and to critical debates on achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.
Heart of city
The conference was opened by , President and Vice Chancellor of The University of òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ.
She said:
This conference is highly relevant to òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ given that our University has had a long-standing role in innovation in the city and that the theme of innovation is very much at the heart of our strategy. Today òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ is one of the fastest growing innovation hubs in Europe and one of the youngest and most diverse cities.
Her words were echoed by , Head of AMBS, in his opening address. He added:
It is fitting that the conference is here in òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ with its own long history of radical innovation and discovery. Innovation and entrepreneurship are key strategic priorities for our School, and we need to understand through conferences such as these how we can grow our economy through innovation and increasing productivity.
Support
Other members of the Geoinno òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ organising committee were , , , , , , , , and Professor Philip McCann.
The conference was sponsored by the Faculty of Humanities Hallsworth Conference Fund, The Regional Studies Association and The Productivity Institute, and supported by òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ Urban Institute and Creative òòò½ÎÑÊÓƵ.