Potsdam International Forum »Science Parks and Competitiveness«

We are pleased to invite you to the 2nd Potsdam International Forum »Science Parks and Competitiveness: Bridging Regional Growth and European Innovation and Research Policy« on April 15-16, 2026 at the Potsdam Science Park! Science Parks are vital drivers of European competitiveness, linking research excellence, entrepreneurial vision, and industry to foster high growth ventures and cross-border partnerships. As the European Innovation Agenda evolves, the Potsdam International Forum offers a unique opportunity to connect Science Parks, Innovation Districts, and regions with the EU’s strategic priorities for innovation and research. The two-day conference is an interactive cross-sectoral gathering of policy makers, leading experts and practitioners from Science and Technology Parks, cluster managers, and innovation agency representatives from across Europe.

»Bridging Regional Growth and European Innovation and Research Policy«

The agenda sets focus on how Science Parks and their regions can become epicenters of scientific achievement and innovation—accelerating breakthroughs, nurturing growth, and maximizing the positive impact of Europe’s innovation hubs. Participants will explore how emerging European policies influence competitiveness and regional development, share insights on shaping future innovation ecosystems, and discuss their real-world implications for scientific progress, sustainable growth, collaboration and international success.

Join in to explore how Science Parks and further innovation hubs can become key engines of progress within Europe’s wider innovation ecosystem.

Overview Day 1 | April 15, 2026

Reception from 9:00, program starts at 10:00.

Sessions

Opening Remarks & Welcome
The Relevance of Science Parks for Competitiveness & Innovation in Europe
The Single Market as a Tool to Power Europe’s Economy
Europe’s Innovation Capacity – What It Takes to Compete Globally

Breakout Sessions

A | Smart Synergies for Competitiveness – Combining EU-Level Instruments with Regional Funding
B | New Horizon for Competitiveness – Perspectives for Science Park Managers
C | Co-Generating Excellence – Cities and Science Parks for Regional Innovation
D | Women in Research & Innovation – Pioneering Change for Talent in Europe

Evening Reception & Networking Dinner

Overview Day 2 | April 16, 2026

Program starts at 9:30 and conference ends at 13:30.

Sessions

Policy to Value – Excellence to Regional Innovation Leadership
Tackling Key Tech – European Model Regions for Strategic Technologies
From Single Sites to Networked Ecosystems – How Science Parks Orchestrate Multi Site Innovation and European Value Pipelines
Closing Remarks & Outlook

Program Download

Please note: Our program is in development—full details will be shared soon.

Conference Venue

Potsdam Science Park
Fraunhofer Conference Center
Am Mühlenberg 12
14476 Potsdam
Germany

How To Register

Secure your place at the conference by following the link below and completing the online form at the bottom of the event page. Choose your preferred breakout session on day 1 and let us know if you will attend both days. You are also invited to the Evening Reception & networking dinner on April 15—spaces for the dinner are limited, and a personal confirmation email will follow after completing your registration. The conference is free of charge.

Register now via this link: p-sp.link/potsdam-international-forum-2026

Planning Your Journey To Potsdam

The Potsdam Science Park is easily accessible from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and Berlin Central Station via direct train connections, with a travel time of around 30 minutes. A taxi ride typically takes 55–60 minutes, depending on traffic. For the most convenient route planning, use Deutsche Bahn’s DB Navigator app and search for connections from »Flughafen BER« to »Golm Bahnhof, Potsdam«. The app also provides local tram and bus information for getting around Potsdam during your stay. Find further details on getting to the Potsdam Science Park here on our website.

We have arranged hotel contingents. Please note that rooms within these contingents are available until April 10, 2026, subject to availability. You will receive hotel details and a booking code upon registration.

We are looking forward to welcoming you in Potsdam!

This conference and the projects implemented by Standortmanagement Golm GmbH at Potsdam Science Park are co-funded by the European Union and the Federal State of Brandenburg.