Nearly 470 researchers, policymakers and practitioners gathered in Valencia from 10–12 June for the 2026 Eu-SPRI Forum conference – an annual gathering dedicated to the study of research and innovation policy. Across three days, more than 360 papers were presented through 23 thematic tracks and 14 special sessions, covering topics ranging from transformative innovation policy and sustainability transitions to artificial intelligence, industrial policy and global perspectives on innovation.
Under the theme Questioning the Contributions of Science and Innovation to Society, the conference provided a space for critical reflection on the role of science, technology and innovation in addressing societal challenges, as well as on the new challenges arising from scientific and technological progress.
“It is not only the largest conference we’ve had in the past 15 years, but one that puts its finger on some of the most important questions about the purpose and normative orientation of science, technology and innovation policy.”, Matthias Weber, President of the Eu-SPRI Forum and Co-Director of the TRIP-EuHub.
Founded in 2010, the Eu-SPRI Forum has long fostered dialogue between researchers, policymakers and practitioners working in the field of research and innovation policy. Reflecting on this year’s event, organisers highlighted both its scale and the breadth of perspectives represented.
Organisers noted the growing participation of policymakers throughout the conference. Alongside academic sessions, representatives from organisations including the OECD and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) contributed to discussions and roundtables, helping to strengthen connections between research and policymaking.
“The topic remains relevant: what problems do science and technology generate, and how do we deal with them?”, Jordi Molas-Gallart, Director of INGENIO (CSIC-UPV).
Special acknowledgements and thanks are extended to the organizers of this year conference: INGENIO (CSIC-UPV), Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), and CSIC.
“Conferences like these, which reflect on the type of research and innovation we do and what we do it for, are extremely useful. We need a lot more self-reflection because very often we lose sight of that goal and why we chose that particular mission.”, Asun Lera St. Clair, keynote speaker and Climate Change Lead at DNV Group Research and Development.
Read the full press release from INGENIO here: https://www.ingenio.upv.es/en/valencia-hosts-an-international-conference-on-science-technology-and-innovation-policy/